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This re-issue of the 1859 History of Randolph County,
Illinois, by E. J. Montague, is a contribution of the Ran-
dolph County Historical Society to the celebration of the
American Revolution Bicentennial, the 200th Birthday
anniversary of the United States of America — 1776-1976.
Randolph County, "Where Illinois Began," the West-
ern Frontier during the American Revolutionary War, is
rich in history. To have had five flags fly over her lands
— French, British, Commonwealth of Virginia, the United
States and finally the State of Illinois bespeaks of her
importance and her play in United States history.
In grateful acknowledgement to the 1968 Randolph
County Board of Commissioners and the members of the
Randolph County Historical Society, we give you this
pportunity to gather insight on that which was — and is —
Randolph County, Illinois.
First Edition — Book No.
A. DIRECTORY,
BUSINESS MIRROR,
AND
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
OF
RANDOLPH COUNTY:
CONTAINING THE NAME, RESIDENCE, AND OCCUPATION OP EVERY CITI-
ZEN OF THE COUNTY ; WITH A CONDENSED SKETCH OF KASEASKIA
AND PRAIRIE DU ROCHER, COMMENCING WITH THEIR INDIAN
HISTORY: A SKETCH OF CHESTER, 8PARTA, RED BUD, LIB-
ERTY, 8TEELESVILLE, EDEN, EVANSVILLE, COULTEB-
VILLE, LAFAYETTE, PRESTON, FLORENCE, 8HILOB
HILL, RANDOLPH AND CAMPTOWN. ALSO,
A CONDENSED SKETCH OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.
fROM THK TIME OF ITS ORGANIZATION:
WITH BRIEF NQTES OF THE PIONEER SETTLERS.
By E. J. MONTAGUE.
ALTON, ILL.:
COURIER STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTING HOUSE.
1859.
A Reproduction by Unigraphic, Inc.
1401 North Fares Avenue
Evansville, Indiana 47711
Nineteen Hundred Seventy Four
1114
NOTICE.
The matter which this work contains suggests its object, and
demonstrates its value and necessity.
No attempt has been made to write history — only an effort to
collect the materials and place them in preservation, to be used
by sonje one who shall write that history at some future day.
The pioneers, from whom the history must be gathered, *re last
passing away; and if the brief sketches here prepared will, pre-
serve their memory and the events iu which they figured, until
they shall be placed in some more enduring form, the object of
the writer will have been fully attained.
The difficulty which has been experienced in obtaining defi-
nite information respecting those early settlers, leads the writer
to believe that slight inaccuracies may have occurred, -and some
omissions made, but these were unavoidable.
The imperfect sources from which- the names, residences, and
occupation of the inhabitants of the county have been obliged
to be gathered, have rendered slight omissions probable. Such
imperfections necessarily occur in the preparation of such a work
for the first time.
SKETCHES OF KASKASKIA.
For many years before Kaskaskia was! known to the
white man, it was an Indian village, around which the
crude natives hunted and fished, boiled their corn and
venison, smoked the calumet, and danced to the guttural
notes of discordant music. Without a reference, there-
fore, to the Indian tribe from which Kaskaskia has
taken its name, a sketch of the place, however complete
in other particulars, would yet be imperfect.
At the time when the first white adventurers ex-
tended their explorations into Illinois, a confederation
embracing five tribes — the Kaskaskias, the Cahokias,
the Tammarais (or Tamaroas,) the Peorias and the
Mitchigammics — were found inhabiting the Illinois
country, .and were called the "Illinois Confederacy."
The Kaskaskias occupied the country around the
village which bears their name, and claimed for their
hunting grounds the district which now embraces the
counties of Eandolph, Jackson, Perry, Washington, and
portions of St. Clair and Monroe. The Cahokias in-
habited the region around Cahokia — another Indian
village — whose history commences and runs along with
that of Kaskaskia — situated on the eastern bank of the
Mississippi river, in St. Clair county, a little below a
*]
6 HISTORICAL 8KETCHES
point opposite the city of St. Louis. The Tammartis
have left no traces of their locality, except that the
Twelve Mile Prairie, in St. Clair county, was formerly
called "Prairie Tammarais," which gives foundation to
the opinion that that was the place of their residence.
It was an Indian tradition that this tribe was nearly
exterminated in a battle with the Shawnees, fought on
Six Mile Prairie, in Perry county. The bones of the
slain, and other evidences of the battle were to be seen
there not' many years ago. Sometime afterward, this
tribe lost its national identity and united with the Caho-
kias. The Peorias ranged along the Illinois river in the
region of the now flourishing city of Peoria, and left the
evidences of their battles with other tribes in that coun-
try, which are yet visible. The Mitchigammies were
first found along the shores of Lake Michigan. But
they removed in a few years afterwards, and settled
about Fort Chartres and Prairie du Eocher. Soon after-
ward they ceased to exist as a distinct tribe, and the
remnants blended with the Kaskaskias.
These tribes were once numerous and powerful in
war, ^ind successfully defended their claims to the coun-
try around the southern borders of Lake Michigan; but
a series of disastrous conflicts with the doubly savage
Pottowatomics — a powerful branch of the great Cbip-
peway nation, who claimed and exercised hunting and
fishing dominion over that vast extent of country which
now embraces the States of Wisconsin, Michigan, In-
diana and the northern portions of Illinois — so reduced
their numbers that they were forced southward in search
of relief from their cruel adversaries. But even here
they were not secure from their savage kinsmen. Pred-
atory bands of Kickapoos and Shawnees occasionally
-engaged them in war, and reduced them in numbers.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 7
One by one these tribes ceased to exist, and united with
another, until finally, in the year 1830, the whole Con-
federacy was merged into the Kaskaskia tribe, and
known only as the "Kaskaskia Indians."
Thus banded together, and having only about one
hundred and fifty warriors, they were in a condition to
love peace rather than war, of which they had had more
than sufficient to satiate the ferocity of their savage
natures. They hailed the advent of the whites among
them with joy, and cultivated their friendship as a
source of protection against the attacks of their Indian
enemies. For this reason, they became the friends of
the whites, and often rendered valuable services in the
capacity of spies and guides. It was the boast of
Ducoagne, or Ducogne, their last chief, that his tribe
had never shed the blood of the white man.
They cultivated some corn in the American Bottom,
which, with the game they obtained by hunting, fur-
nished them a subsistence. They exchanged their furs
with the French traders for such articles of apparel as
their habits of life and tastes demanded. Leading a
listless, indolent life, with no higher aim or ambition
than obtaining sufficient food and raiment to supply the
wants of nature, they became lazy, drunken, degraded-
and debauched, and lost that noble spirit of dignity
and independence which pulses in the veins of the true
Indian.
In the year 1833, finding their hunting grounds occu-
pied by the industrious white man, and not fitted to enjoy
the privileges of encroaching civilization, they bade fare-
well to the land which had been the lifetime home of
themselves and their fathers, and joinel that stubborn
tide of emigration which has borne away towards the
Pacific Ocean all that wild race of men. who once held
8 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
undisputed possession of the Continent. With tear-
ful eyes and bitter lamentations, they turned their backs
upon scenes familiar and dear, and sought new hunting
grounds towards the setting sun. The tribe is now
extinct, but a few of the descendants still live with
other tribes of the West. The common fate of the
Indian race is a source of saddening reflection; but the
contributions to Christianity, to science, to industrial en-
terprise, and the world's material wealth, and to the
political elevation of mankind, which have followed in
their retreating wake, sufficiently vindicate the usurpa-
tion.
DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT OE
KASItASKIA.
The precise time of the discovery and settlement of
Kaskaskia by the whites is not definitely fixed, but the
best known data determine it to have been in the year
1686. Exploring parties had been traversing the Miss-
issippi valley for some time before Kaskaskia was
marked for settlement. A brief reference, therefore, to
these successive expeditions becomes necessary in com-
pleting the chain of events which gave an origin to Kas-
kaskia.
The romantic adventures of James Marquette, the
Jesuit Missionary, and Chevalier Joliet, a merchant
of Quebec, are familiar to the readers of Western his-
tory. These two indefatigable and fearless men were the
pioneers of those explorations which opened the Wes-
tern wilderness to the ingress of a white population.
Their first expedition was commenced on the 10th day
of June, 1670. They started from Green Bay, accom-
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 9
panied by five others, and crossed the country on the
head-waters of the Fox river to the Wisconsin, which
Btream they descended to its mouth, and floated out
upon the broad bosom of the majestic Mississippi, on
the 17th of the same month. From the time the he-
roic adventurer, De Soto, and his brave followers
liscovered this great river, in 1542, its mighty current
had swept along unseen by the eye of civilized man,
until the day these two Frenchmen entered it at the
mouth of the Wisconsin river. They beheld its gran-
ieur and magnitude, Marquette remarks, "with a joy
[ cannot express."
Eesolving at once to descend and see where the fresh,
3lear waters of this noble river were lost in the ocean .
they lost no time in prosecuting their perilous journey.
A.s they passed along, they noticed the Piasau — a paint-
ad rock standing on the margin of the river, near the
present city of Alton; the confluence of the Missouri's
muddy current with the pure waters of the Mississippi;
the Grand Tower — a high, perpendicular rock standing
near the middle of the river, about thirty miles below
the present city of Chester; the mouth of the Ohio,
which they thought was the Wabash. Finally, readi-
ng an Indian village in Arkansas, where they found
the natives savage and ferocious, almost beyond control,
ind learning it was yet a long distance to the mouth of
the river, they determined to return, and accordingly,
on the 17th of July, one month from the day they first
3aw the river — they commenced their homeward jour-
uey. Instead of returning hy the Wisconsin river as
they had come, they ascended the Illinois and reached
Lake Michigan about the locality of Chicago, from
whence they went direct to Green Bay, at which place
they arrived in September.
10 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
The pious and holy Marouex** went about his mis-
sionary labors with the Indians, and died suddenly noon
afterwards. Joliet went immediately to Quebec, and
spread an account of their discoveries before the peo-
ple, who become so electrified by the thrilling narrative
of their voyage that the spirit of adventure rose to
fever heat. The news soon reached France, and pro-
duced a similar excitement there. Impelled by the
feverish zeal which those reports created, came Robert
De La Salle, whoso enthusiastic composition was al-
most melting with the eagerness of advonturo. Upon
his arrival at Quebec, he conceived the project of estab-
lishing a line of posts from Canada, through the Illinois
country, and down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexi-
co. Securing the approbation and influence of Fron-
tinac, then the Governor-General of Canada, he re-
turned to France, and laid the plans of his enterprise
before Colvert, the King's minister. Meeting a fa-
vorable consideration from the King, he was created
a Chevalier, and received a commission to return and
rebuild Fort Frontinac. Upon the reconstruction of
the Fort he labored with indefatigable zeal until the
Autumn of 1C>77, when he sailed again to France.
Having fulfilled his mission to the satisfaction of the
King, he received an outfit for a voyage, and brought
with him thirty-four emigrants to the New "World,
among whom was Lieutenant M. Tonti, an Italian, who
became the devoted friend and faithful follower of La
Salle in all his expeditions and enterprises. During the
next five years he traveled the wilderness almost con-
stant!}', around the Lakes, and from St. Anthony's Falls
to the mouth of the Mississippi, encountering difficul-
ties, perils and privations almost beyond human endur-
ance. In the autumn of 16S3, he sailed a third time for
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 11
Fiance: The energetic industry he had displayed in
prosecuting his adventurous exploits, secured for him the
cordial approbation of the King, who placed under his
direction a fleet of four vessels, carrying two hundred
and eighty emigrants for settlement in the wild country
which he had been exploring. It was the intention of
La Salle to make the mouth of the Mississippi river;
but, dissensions of a most discordant and disastrous
character arising between *"m and M. De Beauoeu,
the marine commander, thle fleet drifted slowly and
sluggishly acrdss the ocean kind finally, after a voyage
of six month's duration, the^ reached Madagarda Bay,
in Texas, having drifted southward of the Mississippi.
After exploring the coast for a feUv months, the com-
mander left L/a Salle and 1/is party to search alone for
the "hidden river/' and returned with the fleet to
France. "With hope and Courage such as few men ever
possessed, did La Salle continue to search for the mouth
of the Mississippi, by which he wished to return to
Canada. TMsappointment" met him in every expedition ;
but his spirit was a stranger to despair, and he contin-
ued to traverse the marshy country along the Gulf
coast, until his f^ 1 lowers, less courageous than himself,
and dying from fatigue and fever; became dispirited
and sullenly refused to obey him. Mutiny arose, which
•alone would have disappointed the object of the search;
but fate had decreed a more tragic termination to the
Chevalier's exploits. He was way-laid and shot dead
by one of the chief conspirators.
During the two years which La Salle had been ab-
sent, his lieutenant, Tonti, who had been left in com-
mand of the Illinois country, was engaged in explora-
tions, and building forts. The long absence of La
Salle, from whom he could get no intelligence, was a
12 HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
source of melancholy speculation for Tonti. Finally,
hearing a rumor that La Salle was in the West Indies,
he organized an expedition," and descended the Missis-
sippi in search of him; hut, on reaching the mouth, he
was compelled to return without any tidings of his long
lost friend. In making this voyage he established sev-
eral trading posts, and the weight of authority estab-
lishes the opinion that Kaskaskia was one of them.
The presumption, therefore, is irresistable, that M.
Tonti was the first white man whose foot pressed the
soil on which Kaskaskia was afterward built. As it
became a permanent settlement, its existence may date
from that period — 1686.
Father Allous, a companion of La Salle, and a de-
voted christian missionary, came to Kaskaskia soon
after the visit of Tonti, and established a missionary
station. He was probably the first white man who
made a permanent residence in Kaskaskia. In a short
Lime afterwards the French traders made their advent
into the place, and then commenced the transition from
an Indian to a French village. This transition, how-
ever, was rather slow for several years, as the French
who came at that time were chiefly traders, whose avo-
cation required them to be transient rather than per-
manent inhabitants. Probably Kaskaskia could not be
considered anything more than a trading post and
mission station, before the year 1712. The mission be-
came a very flourishing one soon after it was estab-
lished by Father Allous. In 1690, Father Gravier
took charge of the station, and christened it "The
Village of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy
Virgin." A chapel was erected, probably on the east-
ern side of the Kaskaskia river, near the residence of
Mr. Menard, the remains of which are still to be seen.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 13
T\he ruins of another Jesuit chapel, erected just in the-
rear of the present church edifice, are also visible, but
at what time it was built is now unknown. A Jesuit
register, commencing in 1695, has been preserved, and
is now among the church papers of the parish. At
what particular period the first permanent settlers came
to Kaskaskia, and who they were, is a matter more of
conjecture than certainty; no record of them having
been preserved. It is known, however, that previous
to the year 1720, a considerable emigration had arrived
from Canada and France, by the way of New Orleans,
and made permanent settlements. As to the names of
these pioneers there is also an uncertainty, but the
most authentic traditions which the writer has been
able to gather, coroborates the well established belief
among the present inhabitants of Kaskaskia, that the
following were among the principal ones of those early
settlers, viz : Bazyl La Chapelle, Michael Derouse,
(called St. Pierre,) Jean Baptiste St. Gjemme Beau-
vais, Baptiste Montreal, Boucher De Montbrun,
Charles Danje, Francois Charlesville, Antoine
Bienvenu, LoUis Buyat, Alexis Doza, Joseph Paget,
Prix Paqi, Michael Antoyen, Lanolois De Lisle,
La Derroutte, Noval, and some few others.
Bazyl La Chappelle was among the first from Can-
ada, and came to Kaskaskia in company with eleven
brothers, but he alone of the number remained perma-
nently. He left four sons — Antoine, Louis, La Chap-
elle and Baptiste, from whom descended the family
bearing that name; Louis La Chapelle, now living
about two miles south of the village, is the son of Bap-
tiste.
Michael Derouse came also from Canada, and was
the progenitor of the numerous family of that name
14 HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
now living in and around Kaskaskia. This is the most
numerous of any descendency of the original settlers.
He was the father of Michael, Joseph, Phillip,
Jerome, J)k Bardeau, who became prominent and in-
fluential men in the community. Pierre Deroise, now
living in the vicinity of Kaskaskia, at the age of GO
years, is a son of Joseph.
[It is proper to explain that the names by which many
of the French are known are those of the names of the
places from whence they came. For instance, "Beau-
VAis" was affixed to the name "St. Gemme" because
that family came from the city of Beauvais in France.
In many instances the real name has been lost, and that
of the town from which the person came substituted.
The Derou.se family came originally from St. Pierre, in
France, which accounts for that affix to their name.
The right name of the Montreal family, is now un-
known. The first of the name who came to Canada,
were called "Montrois," because they came from
Montrois, and after they came to Kaskaskia, they re-
ceived the name of Montreal, for the reason that they
came from Montreal, in Canada. The St. Gemme family
dropped the affix " Beauvais" after they came to Kas-
kaskia, and arc now known by the original name.
Some of the descendants residing in St. Genivieve, Mo..
are now writing the name "St. James."]
Jean Baptiste St. Gemme was the first of that
family who located in Kaskaskia. He was a man of
some wealth and became a conspicuous constituent of
the place. He lived to a very old age, and died leav-
ing six sons ; Raphael, Antoine, Charles, Joseph,
Vitol, and Baptiste, and two daughters, one of
whom married De Ruisseau, and is the grandmother
of Mrs. J. H. Lucas, of St. Louis. Joseph, the third
son, died in early life, and was buried in Kaskaskia, by
»P RANDOM*!! OoUNTY. 15
the side of Uw father and mother; Raphael became a
citizen of New Orleans, and died there; Charles died
somewhere in Louisiana; Antoine moved to Arkansas
where ho died, at an advanced age. Vitol and Bap-
tiste were among the first French settlers of St. Gen-
evieve, Mo., and died in that place, leaving large fami-
lies, some of whom are yet living; Mrs. Jarrot, of St-
Louis, now eighty years old, is the daughter of Vitol
St. Gemme. Baptiste had fourteen children, three of
whom are yet living, viz: Augustus St. Gemme, aged
68 years; Eleanor, aged GO; and Julia, aged 76.
Raphael St. Gemme first located at Fort Du Quesne,
and took part in the defense of the Fort, an interesting
account of which will he found in Sparks'. He also
aided in the celehrated defeat of Gen. BRADDOCKon the
9th of Jul}-, 1755. He afterwards came to Kaskaskia
and located permanently. His family consisted of one
son, Alexis, and five daughters. Alexis St. Gemme
was the grandfather of Mrs. Maxwell, now residing
in Kaskaskia.
Baptiste Montreal came from Canada, and was
noted for his industry and quiet deportment. From
him sprang the numerous family hearing his name.
One of his grandsons died a few months ago, aged
seventy-seven years.
Boucher de Montbrun was a man of sprighuy ac-
tivity, and became very prominent in Kaskaskia. He
married a Miss Langlois, a lady of much beauty and
respectability. Some of his descendants are now to be
found in that country.
Charles Dante devoted his life to the quiet pursuit
of farming. The oldest land grant on record that we
have been able to discover, was made to Charles
Danie, on the 10th day of May, 1722. His descendants
16 HISTORICAL 8KETCHE8
■became very numerous at one time, but now only a few
of them remain.
Francois Charlesville came among the first from
Oanada, and engaged in trading down the river to Now
Orleans. He was a man of remarkable shrewdness and
•energy, and amassed considerable wealth. Charles-
ville left four sons — Francois, Baptiste, Charles,
and Louis. Andrew Charlesville, now living in the
Point, about 70 j-ears old, is the son of Francois, and
grandson of the first Francois.
Antoine Bienvenu came from New Orleans, and
brought with him considerable wealth. He lived for
the sole object of enjoying life, and probably no man
• ever received a larger share of life's ephemeral joys.
He left three sons, Antoine, Henry, and Michael, all
of whom lived and died in Kaskaskia. Some of their
children are yet living about the village.
Louis Buyat came direct from France to Kaskaskia.
He belonged to a family of some rank, and on his arri-
val in Kaskaskia, he took a leading position among the
people. The bell which hangs by the church, whoso
mellow tones were the first ever heard in the Missis-
sippi Valley, and which has announced the hour of
worship for more than a hundred years, was sent as a
present to Mr. Buyat to be given by him to the infant
church of America. His name is intimately connected
with the church and the town. From him sprang a
numerous descendency, Louis Buyat, the first son
of the pioneer, was the father of Louis, Michael,
Nicholas, Henry, and Joseph, who became prominent
men among the people. Joseph the youngest son is
atill living, and is now one of the oldest men to be
found about Kaskaskia. Tho family is less numerous
now than formerly.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 17
Alexis Doza was from Canada, and possessed a re-
markable energy and courage. His son, named also
Alexis, became one of the most distinguished charac-
ters of Kaskaskia. He was fearless of danger, adven-
turous, energetic, and possessed a degree of hardihood
and endurance which rarely falls to the lot of man. It
is related of him that he would start from Kaskaskia at
any hour, whether night or day, and make the trip to
Vincennes, on foot and alone, in three days. He became
a carrier of dispatches between the two posts, and
would travel across the country when it was extremely
dangerous for any white man to be found outside the vil-
lages. Some of his descendants are yet living about
Kaskaskia.
Joseph Paget was probably the father of Prix
Pagi, (although there is a difference in the orthography
of the names). Prix Pagi erected a mill on the site
where Mr. Daniel Reily's mill stands. He was mur-
dered in the mill by the Indians.
Of Michael Autyen, De Lisle, La Deroutte, and
Noval, we have been unable to learn anything beyond
the fact, that they were among the earliest pioneers,
and occupied conspicuous positions in the village.
Mr. Langlois located and lived in Kaskaskia, until
the year 1736, when he joined the expedition under
D'Artaguette (then Governor of Illinois,) and Vin-
cennes, against the Chickasaw Indians, and with them
was taken prisoner and burned at the stake. Some
of his descendants are now living about Prairie Du
Rocher.
Though these pioneers in the western world were
surrounded by a wilderness, inhabited only by Indians
and wild beasts, with no communication with civilized
man, except through tedious voyages of the traders
*2
18 HI8T0RICAL 8KKTCHE8
to New Orleans, and the occasional visits to and from the
villages of Cahokia and Vincennes, yet no people prob-
ably ever enjoyed life better than they did. They were
frank, open-hearted, brotherly, unambitious, careless
of the acquisition of property, contented and joy-
ous. Bringing with them the gayeties and vivacity
of Paris life, they indulged in every variety of social
amusement, and enjoyed more of life's pleasures than is
usually allotted to pioneers. Destitute of a pretext for
that strife, contention and bickering which a desire for
wealth never fails to create, they lived in peaceful har-
mony, and culled from each passing hour the larger
share of its moments for enjoyment. Their wealth,
their time and labor, were matters of indifference. —
"With a supei-abundance of wheat and corn, which they
reaped from the soil with but little cultivation, and
being supplied by the Indians with plenty of venison
and bear meat, they realized no cares or anxiety, and
were contented and happy. If the unalloyed happi-
ness of temporal life has ever been enjoj-ed, it was cer-
tainly approached by those early pioneers of Kaskaskia.
The}' introduced the French system of agricul-
ture, and each family had a parcel of land in the
■''Common Field." A strict community system was
observed, and if the head of a family was sick or nec-
essarily absent, his crop was attended to by his neigh-
bors. Ordinances were made regulating the repairs of
fences, time of gathering crops, and opening the field
for the range of stock, in the fall. Each plat of land in
the Common Field was distinctly marked out and
owned in fee simple by the person to whom granted.
It was a universal custom among the villagers, when
the husband returned in the evening, weary from his
■daily toils, for his affectionate wife and children to meet
Or B4KD0LPH COUNTY 19
him with a kiss. This domestic interview was at the
gate of the door-yard, in full view of the village. It
was an evidence of the happiness that reigned within.
THE CHURCH.
At what time the first parish priest appeared
among the people of Kaskaskia, is now unknown ; nei-
ther oan it be ascertained when the first parish church
was built. It is certain, however, that the parish
congregation occupied the Jesuit chapel until about the
year 1721, when the old building which stood for half
a century was erected. This was the first permanent
church built west of the Alleghany Mountains, upon
this continent. The bell which now hangs by the
spacious brick church in Kaskaskia, was brought from
France and placed upon this old building, and was the
first bell to ring out the tidings of christian worship in
the Mississippi valley. Its measured strokes have
tolled at the buriaj of three generations, and still the
towering forest trees and hill sides in the vicinity echo
its musical pealing. The church record, now among
the archives of the church, reaehos back only to the
year 1721 — the previous record, if* there was an}' kept,
having been lost. At that time Father Gibault was
ithe officiating priest. He resided at Prairie du Rochcr,
and was priest of that parish. He performed the duties
pertaining to his holy office, for both these parishes, for
many years, and died deeply lamented by the people,
for whose spiritual good he had lived and labored. He
lived a truly ohristain life, and so deported himself
as to show that he was at peace with his God, and his
20 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
follow men. Ho was always cheerful, and carried with!
him a smile and pleasant word for every one he met.
The church to which reference has been made, stood
until about the year 1780, when another was erected
neai the same spot, which gave place to the present
large brick edifice about twenty years ago. It is one
of the largest churches in Illinois. Father Perren is
now the officiating priest, and though he has attained
the age of sixty, he is able to read the ancient church
record, which is imperfect French manuscript, without
the aid of glasses.
GOVERNMENT.
In the year 1708, the French Government sent out
D'Artaouette as commissary of Louisiana, with in-
structions to put in operation a system of government.
He made some progress towards the object of his
mission, but owing to the remote distances of the set-
tlements from each other, he could do but little. In
1712, the French Government, believing the object could
be best attained through private enterprise, conferred
upon a wealthy merchant of Paris, named Crozat, the
monopoly of Louisiana for fifteen years, expecting that
his commercial operations would be an inducement to
a speedy colonization of the country. The nucleus of
his operations was in Louisiana, but his trading posts
extended throughout the Mississippi valley. A post
established at Kaskaskia, was the means of creating a
lively trade in deer, buffalo, and bear meat, which were
purchased for transportation to New Orleans and Mo-
bile. This also stimulated the erection of Mills for the
manufacture of flour, to be shipped to the same market]
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 21
Traces of these mills may be seen to this day; along the
bluffs which skirt the cultivated lands, and the remains
of a wind-mill were visible a few years ago, in the prairie
between Kaskaskia and Prairie du Eocher. The re-
mains of a mill (ire j^et to be seen on the eastern side
>f the river, near the residence of Mr. Menard. It was
probably at this time that a mill was eredtwbtrpon the
same site where Mr. Riley's mill now stands.
Crozat was succeeded, in 1717, by the "Company of
the West," organized in Paris, to cooperate with a crazy
Scotchman, John Law, in a wild banking and stock-
jobbing scheme, and invested in fee simple to the public
lands. From this source the villages and individuals
obtained grants and titles to such quantities of the
public domain as they wanted. This company was
uerged into the " Royal Companj r of frhe Indies," in
1719, and thereafter transacted business under that
name. M. Boisbriant, the representative of the crown.
*nd commissary of the Company, and De Ursins, were
stationed at Fort Chartres for the purpose of conveying
lands to the settlers. A series of articles were enacted
in 1721, by a council deputed by the King of France,
Foi the government of the Royal Company. Under
these regulations the company prospered, and agricul-
ture, commerce and population increased rapidly. —
H ere a little pebble of civilization had been dropped
into the centre of the wild ocean of savage life, and the
circling ripple was well started, and beginning to widen
out
Through the agency of this Company, horses, cattle,
bogs and chickens were introduced. Cattle were
brought from Canada, and were almost universally
black. Horses were brought from the Spanish posses-
sions in the south. They were of the Arabian stock,
82 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
having boon introduced into Spain by the Moors, and
brought to America by the Spaniards. The celebrated
French, or "Point Ponies," have descended from this
stock. The "Company of St. Phillips" — a branch of
the Royal Company, was organized in 1719, in Paris,
and Philip Francois Renault was appointed the
principal agent. He expected to engage in mining,
and brought with him about two hundred miners, me-
chanics and laborers. He stopped in the "West Indies
and bought five hundred negro slaves, and arrived in
Illinois with ample means for prosecuting the business
of the Company. This was the origin of the "French
slaves" in Illinois, whose numerous descendants can now
be found in Kaskaskia, St. Genivievo, St. Louis and
many other places.
The charter of the Royal Company was surrendered
in 1732, and the country reverted back again to the Gov.
crnment of France. M. D'Artaguette was appointed
Governor of Illinois. Under his administration the
French settlements enjoyed their palmiost days. He
became a very popular man, and was known from
Louisiana to Canada. He gave his personal attention
and energies to every enterprise whose object was to
benefit the poople of his province.
In 1736, when the French Government decided upon
an expedition against the Chickasaw Indians, he col-
lected all the military force he could muster in the
Illinois and Wabash country, which consisted of a few
regulars who had been stationed at Fort Chartros, a
few companies of volunteer militia, and about one.
thousand redskins, whom he had induced to join his
army by his own personal influence among them. He
descended the Mississippi to the lower Chickasaw Bluffs,
and thon crossed the country to the sources of the TaU
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY- 23
lahatchie river, where, by appointment, he was to meet
Bienville, with the troops from Louisiana. Bien-
ville failed to come at the appointed time, and not
being able to restrain the undisciplined Indians, D'Ar-
taguette was forced to attack the enemy against his
own judgment. His little army was forced to retreat,
and he and the gallant Vincennes, and some others
were taken prisoners and were burned at the stake.
Never did Indian fires crackle the sinews of braver and
nobler men. La Buissonierre was appointed the suc-
cessor of D'Artaguette, and administered the govern-
ment until the year 1751. During this period the
whole country enjoyed a profound peace. Happiness
and prosperity smiled upon the settlements. The Indians
throughout the whole length and breadth of the valley
were at peace, and the commercial intercourse between*
the Southern and Northern posts, which had been inter-
rupted by the Chickasaws, was again resumed. Cheva-
lier McCarty succeeded to the Governorship in 1751,
and continued to hold the position until a short time
before the country passed into the possession of the
English, in 1763. M. St. Ange de Belle Rive was the
last of the French Governors for the Illinois country.
On the arrival of Capt. Stirling, of the Royal High-
landers, in 1765, Governor Rive retired to St. Louis.
Capt. Stirling died at Fort Chartres a short time after
his arrival, and was succeeded first by Major Frazier,
and soon after by Col. Reed, who become notorious for
his military oppressions. His career, however, was
short, as he was succeeded in 1768 by Col. Wilkinb,
who, by the authority of Gen. Gage, then Commander
of the British army in America, established a court of
justice. He appointed seven judges who held court at
Fort Chartres, commencing on the 6th of December,
24 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
176b. This was the first court of common law juris-
diction ever held in the Mississippi valley. In 1772,
the seat of government was moved from Fort Chartres
to Fort Gage. The British garrison which had heen
stationed at Fort Chartres, under the command of the
Governor, removed and occupied the Fort. This Fort
became the seat of Government, and was occupied for
that purpose as long as the English retained possession
of the country. M. Kocheblave, a Frenchman, was
commandant at the time the Fort was surrendered to
Col. Clark, 1778.
CJL/VRJOJ EXPEDITION.
The people of Kaskaskia and the West took but little
part in tho American Eevolution, during the first years
of its existence. Remotely situated from the theatre
of war, and menaced by no invading army, they quietly
pursued their ordinary avocations, giving themselves
but little concern about affairs on the Atlantic coast.
Indeed, they knew but little of what was going on, for
the means of obtaining news was scarcely sufficient to
give them a correct idea of the cause of the war. A
small garrison of British soldiers occupied Fort Gage,
and passed the time in listless inactivity.
In„4778, Col. Georoe Rogers Clark, acting under
instructions of Patrick Henry, then Governor of Vir-
ginia, collected four companies of volunteers in the
neighborhood of the "Ohio Falls" and "Corn Island,"
and set out on an expedition to take Kaskaskia. This
little army, numbering one hundred and fifty-three
men. descended the Ohio river to Fort Massacre, below
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 25>
the mouth of the Tennessee, where they landed and
commenced their march across the wilderness.
On the banks of the Ohio they found a party of hunt-
ers from Kaskaskia, from whom they obtained impor-
tant information about the state of affairs there. Clark
secured John Saunders, one of the hunting party, to
conduct the army across the country. The distance
was one hundred and twenty miles. Beaching the
vicinity of the Fort on the eastern side of the river,
Clark concealed his men until nightfall, and sent out
spies to reconnoitre and report. After dark he took pos-
session of the old ferry house, three-quarters of a mile
above the village. Here he divided his army into three
parties; two were to cross the river and attack the town
upon two points, while the third was to capture the
Fort. The British had instilled into the minds of the
French that the "Long-Knives" — as they called the
Virginians — were the most terrible monsters in the
world. Clark used this impression to a good purpose
in this attack. He directed that the divisions crossing
the river should enter the town from two opposite
extremes, and as they came in they should frighten the
quietly slumbering people into a surrender. These
divisions were under the command of the intrepid Cap-
tain Helm, and when they entered the town, and were
well distributed through it, they set up such a terrific
yelling and shouting as frightened the unsuspecting
people into the thought that the whole savage race of
"Long-Knives" had broken loose upon them. Never
did such a hideous, terrifying noise proceed from
human beings as those Virginians kept up until the
dawn of day. The terrified people were told if they
remained in their houses they would not be hurt, but
if they came out, or made any resistance, they would
3
2i\ HISTORICAL SKETCHES
be killed in the most barbarous manner. They sur-
rendered their guns and every means of defense, and
seemed willing to accede to any demand which the
invaders should make. Never were people more effect-
ually frightened. They believed that they were sur-
rounded by a number of these monsters sufficient to
exterminate the whole village in half an hour.
When morning came, the people were not less terri-
fied at the appearance of the "Long-Knives," than they
had been at their furious noise.
While the tumultuous uproar of taking Kaskaskia
was going on, Clark, at the head of the third division
of his little army, was quietly possessing himself of
Fort Gage. The Fort was well guarded with regular
soldiers, and cannon. Clark had no cannon or any
means whatever, of assaulting the Fort. It became
necessary, therefore, to resort to stratagem. By ac-
cident, an American in the Fort, whose sympathies
were with the American cause, met Capt. Kenton, who
was leading the detachment to enter the Fort. This
American conducted Kenton and his men in by a back
gate. The} 7 found a light burning, but all within were
sleeping soundly. Governor Rocheblave had no in-
timation of what was going on until awakened by Capt.
Kenton to be informed that he was a prisoner.
The annals of romance furnish nothing more singular
than this achievement. The origin of the expedition,
the journey — with its perils and hardships, the manner
of the attack, and the kucccss, possessed the air of
fiction.
With the Fort in his possession, which commanded
Kaskaekia. Clark had the means of enforcing any
mandate he might issue. The people were in his power,
and regarded him with mistrustful awe. The day after
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 27
the conquest, Clark organized a temporary military
government, and put some suspected persons in prison.
Governor Rocheblave was refractory, and Clark £ut
him in irons and sent him in charge of Capt. M^»ffr-
gomery to Williamsburg, then the capital of Virginia.
The people, fearfully excited, and seeing these pro-
ceedings, concluded that some terrible doom awaited
them. Clark designedly remained silent, and appeared
to be meditating some mode of awful torture to inflict
\ipon the people. On the third day, M. Gibault, the
priest, and some others, came to Clark and asked that
they might have permission to assemble in the church
once more before they were destroyed, and bid each
other a last farewell.
Clark replied, in a very careless manner, that he
cared but little how they took their final separation —
that they could go to the church if they wished. Ho
looked destruction, and his words, which were few,
scorched as if they proceeded from out a fiery furnace.
The whole population assembled in the church,
mournfully chanted their prayers, and took final leave
— never expecting to meet each other again in this
world. After their parting interview was over — which
must have been a scene to melt the savage hearts of the
imaginary " Long-Knives" — Clark, regarding the ob-
ject of his artful maneuver fully accomplished, called
them together, and thus addressed them :
" Who do you take us to be ? Do you think we are
savages — that we intend to massacre you ? Do you
think Americans will strip women and children, and
take the bread out of their mouths? My countrymen
never make war upon the innocent. It was to protect
our own wives and children that we have penetrated
this wilderness to subdue those British posts, from
28 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
whence the savages are supplied with arms and ammu-
nition to murder us. -We do. not war against French-
men. The King of France, your former master, is our
ally. His ships and soldiers are fighting for the Amer-
icans. The French are our friends. Go and enjoy your
religion, and worship where you please. Eetain your
property — and now please to inform all your citizens
for me that they are quite at liberty to conduct them-
selves as usual, and dismiss all apprehensions of alarm.
We are your friends, and came to deliver you from the
British."
This speech relieved the pressure of anxiety which
had weighed so heavily upon them, and a revulsion of
the most uproarious joy prevailed throughout the town.
To the people it seemed a deliverance from horrible
tortures and death. They cheerfully and gladly ac-
knowledged CLARK'the Commandant of the country.
In the winter following, Col. Clark received infor-
mation that Gov. Hamilton, commanding the British
forces at Yincennes, had determined to re-capture Kas-
kaskia. At first Clark decided to defend, and com
menced preparing Fort Gage for the siege, but upon
mature reflection he resolved to invade Vincennes and
take Hamilton, lest Hamilton should invade Kaskas-
kia and take him. He reinforced the remnant of his
army still remaining, by a volunteer company of
Frenchmen from Kaskaskia, under Capt Charles-
ville, and another from Cahokia, commanded by Capt.
McCarty, and on the 7th of February, 1779, this heroic
band, with the brave and sagacious Clark at its head,
commenced the perilous march on the "Old Vincennes
trace" to Fort Sackville. A boat had been dispatched
around by the Ohio river, carrying two four-pound can-
aon, four swivels, and a quantity of provisions. Capt.
OT RANDOLPH COUNTY. 2»
John Rogers, with forty-six men, was entrusted with
this boat, and instructed to meet the army near Vin-
cennes. When Clark approached the village, he sent
a note to the inhabitants informing them of his arrival,
and the object of his coming. To make the people
think that he had a formidable army, he sent in the
names of various gentlemen in Kentucky, to their ac-
quaintances in Vincennes, which made them believe
that nearly all Kentucky was in the field. He prac-
ticed this delusion upon the troops in the garrison, as
well as upon the people of the town, by marching his
army several times around a mound in the prairie,
changing the colors of the flag every time he came
around on the side of the mound next the Fort. These
several divisions of a fine Kentucky army, carefully
watched and counted by the soldiers in the Fort, had a
dampening effect upon red-coat bravery. The assault
on the Fort was made on the evening of the 23d. On
the morning of the 24th, Clark, moved apparently by
an amiable desire to prevent further bloodshed, sent in
a note ordering Gov. Hamilton to surrender the gar-
rison immediately.
The Governor refused to comply with this peremp-
tory order, and Clark renewed the attack with all the
force and fury he could summon. An incessant fire of
eighteen hours brought forth a note from Hamilton,
requesting a truce for three days, and an interview with
Col. Clark. To this note Clark briefly replied, posi-
tively refusing to grant the truce, but very carelessly
remarked that if Hamilton wished to talk with him,
he could be found at the church. Hamilton sought
the interview, which gave Clark to understand that
the Governor was becoming concerned about his situa-
tion. Clark was powerfully courageous. He would
*3
30 HISTORICAL BRITCHES.
listen to nothing but an immediate surrender of the
garrison at discretion. Hamilton yielded, and on the
25th, the Fort, with all its stores, amounting in value
to more than fifty thousand dollars, was surrendered.
Seventy-nine prisoners were paroled, and went to De-
troit. Governor Hamilton was sent under a strong
escort to the capital of Virginia.
This reference to the taking of Vincennes diverges
somewhat beyond the limits of these sketches, but it
appeared necessary as a connecting link in the chain of
events of which Kaskaskia was the prolific source, and
to show more fully the operations and character of
Col. Clark, than whom no man was better fitted for
the conquest of Illinois. High upon the scroll of fame
should be registered, in enduring characters, the name
of George Eogers Clark. Upon the summit of Gar-
rison Hill, amidst the remaining ruins of Fort Gage,
Illinois should do honor to a gallant soldier and pure
patriot, by the erection of a monument to his memory.
ILLINOW BELONGED TO VIRGINIA.
Col. Clark bad now effectually conquered the Illi-
nois country, and driven the British from it. Illinois
then embraced the territory out of which have been
formed the States of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wiscon-
sin, and Illinois. This territory was claimed by Vir-
ginia, and, as a matter of course, it fell under her juris-
diction. In October, 1778, the House of Burgesses
created "Illinois County" — which included the whole
district on the " Western side of the Ohio river." Col.
John Todd, of Kentucky, was appointed by Patrick
Henry, the Governor of Virginia, Lieutenant Gov-
Or RANDOLPH COUNTT. 31
ernor, or County Lieutenant, and Civil Commandant of
"Illinois County." He arrived at Kaskaskia on the
15th of June, 1779, and proceeded immediately to put
in operation a civil government, by establishing courts
and appointing officers. He administered the executive
trust of Illinois County until the year 1782. In that
year he went to Virginia, on business pertaining to the
county. On his return through Kentucky, finding
his old companions, Colonels Daniel Boone, Logan,
Cooper, Major McGary, and others, by whose side he
had stood in many a skirmish with Indians — going to
fight their troublesome enemies again, he could not resist
the temptation of joining them. But the romance of an
Indian war became a sad reality with him. He was
killed in the celebrated battle of Blue Licks.
The successor of Col. Todd was Timothy de Mont-
brun, a Frenchman. His name is attached to deeds of
conveyance and other public papers, now among the
archives of Eandolph Count}'.
THE NORTH-AVEST TERRITORY.
Virginia ceded the North-West Territory to the Con-
tinental Congress in 1784, but the bill organizing the
Territory did not pass until 1787. General Arthur
St. Clair, of Pennsylvania, who had borne a conspic-
uous part in the revolution, and filled many civil offices,
was appointed Governor of the newly organized Ter-
ritory. "Winthrop Sargeant was appointed Secre-
tary, and Parsons, Barnum, and Symmes, United States
Judges.
Though these Territorial officers were appointed in
1787, they did not reach Kaskaskia until the year 1790.
32 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
Upon the arrival of the Governor and Secretary, the
county of St. Clair was organized — the boundary line
commencing at the mouth of Mackinaw creek, on the
Illinois river, and running in a direct course to the Ohio;
thence down that river to its mouth, and up the Mis-
sissippi and Illinois rivers to the place of beginning.
A Court of Common Pleas was established, and John
Edgar, of Kaskaskia, John Baptiste Barbeau, of
Prairie Du Rocher, and John de Moulin, of Cahokia,
were appointed Judges, each of whom held courts in the
district of his residence — the county being divided into
three judicial districts. William St. Clair was ap-
pointed Clerk, and Eecorder of Deeds, and William
Biggs, Sheriff. Thus the machinery of government was
set in motion, and continued without interruption until
1795, when Randolph County was stricken off from St.
Clair, and organized. As a sketch of the county will
be given, further reference to it will be omitted here.
To preserve the chronological order designed in these
sketches, it becomes necessary here to refer to the first
English settlers in Kaskaskia.
ENGLISH SETTLERS IN KASKASKIA.
At this period Kaskaskia was the most important
place west of the Alleghany Mountains, and was the
point to which all emigrants to the wilderness Territory
directed their course. After reaching Kaskaskia, they
would explore the adjacent country and select loca-
tions. Some of these, to whom we shall refer, remained
in Kaskaskia only a short time.
Some of the soldiers under Col. Clark remained in
the country, or returned to the States and brought
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 33
their families and other emigrants to the newly con-
quered Territory. Among these pioneers were John
Dayle, James Piggat, Eobebt "Whitehead, Bowen,
Wm. Biggs, James Moore, Shadrack Bond, Robert
Kidd, Luke Rutherford, and James Garrison. This
band of brave pioneers who opened the way for that
influx of emigration which has peopled the West, reached
Kaskaskia in the year 1781. Dayle, Piggat, Bowen,
Biggs, Kidd, Rutherford, and Whitehead, were sol-
diers, accustomed to the privations of pioneer life and
travel. They had pursuaded the others to come with
them to the wilderness country, and make their home
upon the rich soil and amidst the deepened forest of
Illinois.
Dayle located permanently in Kaskaskia, and being
a man of some education, he taught school — whether
English or French is now a matter of conjecture. He
understood both languages. Nearly all of the others
were farmers, and settled in the bottom above Kas-
kaskia. This was the first settlement of the Americans
in the country, and from the fact of their settling
here, the name "American Bottom" has been applied
to that large extent of alluvial land along the Mis-
sissippi,., reaching from Alton to Chester — a distance
of about one hundred miles.
About the same time, a Mr. Huff, with his family,
and a few others, left Pennsylvania, and started for
Illinois. Huff had married the widow Mooredock,
who had three sons along with the party. While as-
cending the Mississippi, near the Grand Tower, the
party were attacked by Indians, and Mrs. Huff, one of
her sons, and some others of the party, were killed.
Mrs. Huff was butchered in a shocking manner. The
remnant of the party reached Kaskaskia, and settled in
34 HISTORICAL 8KKTCWV
the American Bottom. A few yeai-s afterwards, Mr.
Huff was killed by the Indians, on the road between
Kaskaskia and Prairie du Bocher. John Mooredock,
(the stepson of Huff,) whose name figures conspicu-
ously in the earl}- events of Illinois, harbored a spirit
of unrelenting revenge against the Indians for injuries
he had received in the horrible death .of his mother —
the death of two stepfathers, and the death of a
brother. The destruction to Indian life was his ruling
passion, and he sought it at all times, whether in peace
or war. He was the most deadly foe that ever ap-
peared against the Indians of Illinois. He was fore-
most in every Indian campaign. His name was a ter-
ror to his savage enemies. But notwithstanding the
destructive vengeance that burned in his bosom for
savage blood in retaliation of injuries received, in the civil
walks of life he was kind, benevolent, sociable and gay,
and yielded willingly to the fascinations of agreeable
society. He married a Miss Garrison — stepdaughter
to Shadrack Bond, Sen. He was elected a member
from St. Clair county to the Territorial Legislature,
which convened at Vincennes in 1803, and served
again in the Legislature at Kaskaskia, in 1814. He
held the rank of Major in the militia, and was field
officer under Governor Edwards, in the campaign of
1812.
About the year 1782, Icdabod and George Camp
came to Kaskaskia, and resided for some time in the
town. They afterwards made improvements west of
the Kaskaskia l'iver, not , far from the residence of
James O'Hara and Henry D. Simpson. Camp's
Creek, which crosses the Kaskaskia and Bed Bud road,
between O'Hara's and Simpson's, took its name
from these men. They afterwards moved away, and
or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 86
ideated at '• Camp's Spring," in Missouri, a few miles
vest of St. Louis.
John and Israel Dodge came' to Kaskaskia about
the close of the Revolution. Israel Dodge was the
father of Henry Dodge, late United States Senator
from the State of Wisconsin. Hon. A. C. Dodge, Ex>
United States Senator from Iowa, is the son of the
Wisconsin Senator.
The Dodge family left Kaskaskia in 1794, and went
to St. G-enivieve. They manufactured salt at the mouth
of Saline Creek, a few miles below St. Genivieve, on the
Mississippi.
John Cook, Jacob Judy, William Music, James
Piggat, and Robert Sybald, came to Kaskaskia
about the close of the year 1780. Judy remained in
Kaskaskia a few years, and then located on the site, of
" Judy's Mill," in Monroe County. He erected this
mill in the year 1794. It was the first water-mill of
any kind built by the American settlers in that region.
It did good service for many years.
In 1784, John Edgar, from the British navy, reached
Kaskaskia. The circumstances of his quitting the
navy and seeking a home in this wild country, are of
sufficient interest to be recorded. During the Revolu-
tion he was fighting against the Colonies in their strug-
gle for Liberty and Independance. He had courted
and married an American lady, whose' sympathies, of
course, were warm and deep for the American cause.
She was a woman of extraordinary talent and shrewd-
ness, and was the projector of many plans by which
the soldiers in the British army, who became tired of
fighting against the cause of freedom, made their es-
cape and joined the Americans. On one occasion she
had arranged with three soldiers to desert — she was to
36 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
furnish them guns and uniform, and give them all nec-
essary information to enable them to reach the Amer-
ican camp. When they came she was absent, but her
husband, although belonging to the British army, was
her confidant in all her operations, and knowing the
object for which these soldiers had come, furnished
them with the outfit prepared for them by her. They
unfortunately were apprehended, and taken back to the
British camp.
There they were made to reveal the names of those
who had assisted them. This implicated Edgar, and
he had to fly. He remained awhile in. the American
army, where he became the intimate friend of La Fay-
ette, but deeming the West a safer retreat for one
whose life was in such imminent jeopardy, he came to
Kaskaskia. His property was confiscated, but his wife,
with her remarkable sagacity, saved from the wreck
about twelve thousand dollars, which she carefully hus-
banded until she joined her husband, two years after-
ward, in his western home. Mrs. Edgar's name merits
a high rank among the heroines of Revolutionary
memory.
Leaving the British service for the American cause,
was a source of no regret with Gen. Edgar. He was
an Irishman by birth, and the wrongs of England
towards his native land had made their impress upon
his patriotic mind.
He engaged in business, and stimulated the com-
merce of the country by his energy, enterprise and
sagacity. He traded extensively in lands, and left, at
his death, large tracts in Randolph, Monroe, St. Clair,
Madison, Clinton, Washington, Perry and Jackson
counties, which are known to this day as the "Edgar
Lands." He rebuilt the mill of M. Paget, (which had
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 37
passed into ruins,) and shipped his flour to the southern
markets. When St. Clair County was organized, in
1790, he was appointed one of the judges of the Common
Pleas Court, and his name appears upon the Court
Records in some official capacity for more than a quar-
ter of a century. He was elected a member of the
Legislature which convened at Chillicothe, Ohio, under
Governor St. Clair's Administration. The United
States appointed him Major General of the Illinois Mili-
tia, which post he filled with dignified ability for a long
series of years.
John Rice Jones, a Welchman, located in Kaskaskia,
in 1790, and commenced the practice of law. He was
the first lawyer in Illinois who practiced at the bar.
Nature intended him for an ornament, and her work
was well performed. His career at the bar was brill-
iant. He remained in Kaskaskia until 1802, when he
moved to Vincennes. In the same year, he was ap-
pointed a United States Judge of the Indiana Territory.
He afterwards moved to St. Louis, and finally to Wash-
ington County, Missouri, and became one of the most
conspicuous men in the early days of that State. He
was a candidate, in opposition to Col. Benton, for the
United States Senate, before the first General Assembly
of Missouri, but was defeated. He was elected by the
same Legislature one of tho Judges of the Supreme
Court of Missouri, which office he held until his death,
in 1824.
Rice Jones, the oldest son of John Rice Jones, hav-
ing acquired the profession of law in Connecticut, loca-
ted in Kaskaskia in 1806, and commenced the practice
with much success. He became conspicuous as a poli-
tician. He had a difficulty with Governor Bond,
growing out of political differences, which almost re-
3£ HISTORICAL SKETCHES
suited in » duel. The preliminaries were arranged,
and the parties were upon the ground, but Jones' pistol
went off by accident, just before the word was given to
tire, and Bond refused to fire at Jones. The matter
between Jones and Bond was amicably adjusted, but a
controversy grew out of it between Jones and Dunlap,
Bond's second. This quarrel became bitter and malig-
nant. One afternoon, as Jones was standing on the
side of the street, leaning against the railing of a gal-
lery, conversing with a lady, Dunlap approached and
shot him dead.
Hon. G-. W. Jones, late United States Senator from
the State of Iowa, is a younger brother of Eice, whose
terrible death has just been narrated, and son of John
Rice Jones.
The same year, (1790,) Pierre, II y polite, and Fran-
cois Menard — three brothers — originally from Quebec,
arrived in Kaskaskia. Pierre established a mercantile
house, and opened a lucrative trade with the Indians.
Endowed with rare business talent, a well balanced
judgment, and an honest purpose, he rose rapidly to a
high degree of eminence and distinction among the
people of the West, and became the idol of the Indians.
The Federal Government appointed him Indian Agent,
which post he held for many years, and gave perfect
satisfaction to both parties. No man ever enjoyed the
confidence and esteem of the Indians more than he.
They worshiped him ; and though he controlled them
as a father does his children, he never took advantage
of that confidence and simplicity to wrong them. Purity
of intention and upright honesty marked the outlines of
his character. In private life he was a model. Sym-
pathy and benevolence were his ruling traits. From
his commercial transactions he realized a fortune, which
Of RANDOLPH C OUNTY. 39
he cheerfully shared with the needy. No charitable
call ever reached his ear without a ready responst
He was often elected a member of the Legislature, and
tvas speaker of the House in 1812. He was elected
Lieutenant-Governor of the State, when it was admit-
ted into the Federal Union. After the close of this
term of office, ho declined to accept public stations, and
devoted himself to private affairs. He died in 1844,
and was buried in a vault, prepared under his own
supervision, in the old grave yard at Kaskaskia.
He left three sons — Pierre, Ciprion and Edmund.
The two former left the county many years ago. The
latter lives upon his father's old place, on the eastern
side of the Kaskaskia river. The oldest daughter of
Col. Menard, Mrs. Maxwell, is yet living in Kaskaskia.
She has spent her whole life in the village of her nativ-
ity, and has occupied the house where she now resides
for more than forty 3 T cars. She has in her possession
a Damask rose bush, which was brought from New
Orleans more than a century ago. It is the first rose
bush that ever bloomed in Illinois, and though it has
been swept over by the floods of the last hundred years,
it still retains its vigor and bloom, putting forth its
sprouts upon the annnal recurrence of springtime. —
Many an ardent lover has plucked a gem from its
stately stock, to be presented to some loved one, to tes-
tify of the heart's devotion.
Francois Menard became a distinguished and suc-
cessful navigator and trader upon the Mississippi. —
With an energy that bent before no obstacle, and a
courage that defied opposition, he prosecuted his peril-
ous voyages upon the river for a long series of years.
He died in Kaskaskia.
Hypolite Menard engaged in farming. He was of
40 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
a very lively and sociable disposition, and became very
popular among the people. . He represented Randolph
County in the General Assembly one session.
William Morrison was another of the distinguished
characters who came to Kaskaskia in the year 1790.
He came from Philadelphia, as the representative of the
mercantile house of Bryant & Morrison, of that city^
and established a branch of the business in Kaskaskia.
Under his sagacious management the transactions of
the house rapidly extended throughout the Mississippi
Valley. The field of his operations was vast, but the
•capacity of his mind was fully adequate to cover it.
From his store in Kaskaskia, the merchants of St.
Louis, St. Genivieve, Cape Girardeau and New Madrid,
supplied themselves with goods.
But the mighty machinery of commerce which he
managed, did not claim the exclusive control of his
capacious mind. Home was never crowded out by the
pressure of business. He found plenty of time to en-
joy the affectionate society of his family. Sociable and
fond of company, his house was the welcome resort of
every visitor to Kaskaskia.
Much of his time was devoted to public enterprise.
Every project that promised to advance the prosperity
of the country, found in him an energetic advocate.
He was the moving spirit in constructing a bridge
across the river at Kaskaskia, the piers of which are
yet standing, and form an excellent monument to his
public spirit.
He died in the year 1837, leaving a vacancy in life
which but few have the ability to fill. His remains were
deposited in the old graveyard at Kaskaskia, where all
that was mortal of so many of the pioneers has
mingled with its original dust.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 41
His descendants have occupied respectable positions
in community. Joseph was- his oldest son. He went
to Ohio, and resided there several years, then returned,
and died at Prairie du Rocher in 1845.
James, the second son, is now a citizen of Wisconsin,
having gone to that State many years ago.
William located in Belleville, and died there in 18i3
Lewis located in Covington, Washington county, and
practiced medicine there until 1851, when he removed
to Chester, and engaged in the mercantile business.
He died in 1856.
George is the youngest son, and still resides in Kas-
kaskia, where he was born.
Robert Morrison, a brother of William, came to
Kaskaskia in 1793. He was of a friendly, sociable
disposition, and became very popular. He was ap-
pointed Clerk of the Common Pleas Court in 1801, and
held the office for many years. A favorite with the
people, he was often selected to fill positions of impor-
tant trust. Like his brother, he dispensed hospitality
in a liberal manner, and his house became the home of
his friends and visitors to Kaskaskia.
His second wife, who was the mother of his children,
was a literary prodigy. Many of her poetical contribu-
tions to the magazines of that day, touched the higher
order of poetry. She remodeled in verse the Psalms of
David, and had the volume presented to the Philadel-
phia Presbytery for criticism. The work passed a crit-
ical examination, and received much praise, but was
rejected, probably more from the fact that it came from
an obscure author, than from its merits. She'took a
deep interest in politics, and often wielded much influ.
ence in a political campaign by her ably written conv
munications in the newspapers.
*4
42 HISTORICAL 8KBTf)KR«
The sons of Robert Morrison are Edgar, jambs
Lowery Donaldson, John Murray, and Robert.
Edgar graduated at the West Point Military Acade-
my, and entered the army. He died in the home of his
infancy, while on a visit to his parents, in 1836.
James L. D. chose the profession of law, and prac-
ticed at the bar for several years. He joined the volun-
teers who went to Mexico, in 1846, and was promoted
to the office of Lieutenant Colonel of Illinois' second
regiment. He has often been a member of the Legis-
lature, and was elected to Congress in 1856. His
younger brothers emigrated to California, where they
now reside.
Shadrack Bond, from Maryland, arrived in Kaskas-
kia in 1794. He was a nephew of Shadrack Bond?
whose name was mentioned among the first settlers in
the American Bottom. Nature had designed Bond for
a Representative man, and though he was surrounded
by men of great minds, he soon became a leader. He
was elected first to the Territorial Legislature, then to
the lower House of Congress, and the first Governor of
the State, without opposition. After be retired from
the Executive chair, he was appointed Register of the
Land Office at Kaskaskia, and continued in that position
for many years. He died in "IfloO — the lamented and
favorite Statesman of Illinois. With all those noble
qualities which adorn mankind, the character of (rov-
ornor Bond was richly endowed.
lie left two sons — Thomas and Bi.niamin.
Thomas chose the profession of law, and practiced in
Randolph and adjoining counties, until the year 1849,
when he died, in the very vigor of manhood's youth and
promise. Benjamin is a rospectable physician, prac-
ticing his profession at Evansville.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTT 43
In the year 1798, Dr. George Fisher, from Virginia,
located in Kaskaskia, and commenced the practice of
his profession. He remained in the town until 1806,
when he moved out ahout five miles on the Prairie du
Rocher road, and opened a farm. By his sprightly
activity, and practical judgment, he became an influen-
tial member of the community, and a popular politi-
cian. When the Indiana Territory was organized, he
was appointed Sheriff of Randolph County. Upon the
organization of Illinois Territory, he was elected a
member of the first General Assembly, and chosen
Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1818,
he was elected a member of the Constitutional Con-
vention which framed the first Constitution for the
State of Illinois.
The region in which lie lived has always borne the
name of "Dr. Fisher's Settlement," because he \va s
the first and leading man there. He died in 1820. on Ins
farm :i1 the foot of ihe bluff. JACOB PlSHKll, who
improved a farm upon the Western side of the Kaskas-
kia river, near the shoal, was the only son of the Doc-
tor. He moved away to Arkansas many years ago.
Dr. Truman Turnim, came to Ivaskaskia in 1 S| '2,
with the army, as a surgeon. lie located and practiced
fi#r several years in the town, and then moved, to Caho-
Uiii In 1809, he was appointed Judge of the Common
Pleas Court of St. Clair County.
Benjamin II. DoVf.E, John Rkotop, and James II.\«i-
iian, came to Ivaskaskia in 1' ::n l, and commenced the
practice of law. Hao.i.w returned to Kentucky, from
whence he came, and afterwards became a distinguished
Judge of that Slate.
Nathaniel Pope first appeared in Ivaskaskia in 1801,
but be located and practiced law at St. Genivieve, Mis-
41 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
souri, until 1808, when he returned and became a per-
manent citizen of the former place. The year follow-
ing, Illinois Territory was organized, and Pope received
the appointment of .Secretary. In the absence of Gov-
ernor Edwards, who had not yet arrived, Secretary
Pope, a* Acting-Governor, issued a proclamation
formally organizing the Territory. In 1817, he was
elected the Territorial delegate to Congress, and
became a very influential member of that body. It
was by his efforts that the northern boundary of the
State was changed from a line running due west from
the southern point of Lake Michigan, and fixed upon
latitude forty-two and a half degrees north. Upon the
admission of Illinois into the Federal Union, Pope was
appointed Judge of the United States District Court,
and held that office for more than thirty years. Nature,
it would seem, had designed him for the bench, and he
occupied the position with such abilit}' and dignity aa
elevated him to a high rank among the jurists of the
country.
In 1814, he moved from Kaskaskia and located in
Alton, where he died in 1850, having attained the age
of sixty-six years. He left two sons — William and
John. William died in St. Louis some years ago.
John belongs to the United States Topographical Ser-
vice, and has become somewhat distinguished for his
scientific efforts in sinking Artesian wells on the West-
ern plains.
The Rector family, consisting of nine brothers, came
to Kaskaskia in the year 1806. They were in the
United States Surveying Service, and only remained
temporarily in Kaskaskia.
From this period up to 1830, Kaskaskia was the resi-
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 45
dencc of many young men who have risen to positions
of distinction.
Sidney Breesk, who is now one of the most distin-
guished jurists and statesmen in Illinois, located at
Kaskaskia on his arrival in the Territory, and remained
there several years. He was often elected a member
of the Legislature, and served one or two sessions in
the lower House of Congress. "When the judiciary of
the State was re-organized, in 1835, he became the first
Judge of the Circuit Court whose jurisdiction included
Randolph County. He was afterwards elected by the
Illinois Legislature to a seat in the United States Sen-
ate, and bore a conspicuous part among the stalwart
characters of that august body. He is now upon the
•Supreme Bench of the State.
James Shields, an Irishman by birth, camo to Kas-
kaskia, and commenced his brilliant career by teaching
school. He afterwards studied law, and became a poli-
tician. He represented Randolph County in the Legis.
lature — was Judge of the Circuit Court, and when the
Mexican "War commenced, in 1846, he was appointed
Brigadier-General of the Illinois volunteers, and distin-
guished himself as a brave and intrepid soldier in several
battles. After his return from the Mexican campaign,
the Illinois Legislature testified their appreciation of his
military services by electing him to the United States
Senate. He now represents the new State of Minnesota
in the Senate of the United States.
Elias K. Kane commenced the practice of law in
Kaskaskia, in 1814, before the time of the two gentle-
men previously referred to. He was a man of brilliant
talents, and rose to a high position among the members
of the bar. He served in the Legislature, and wai
46 HISTORICAL SKKTCIIKS
elected by that body to the United States Senate. He
rose high, and died early.
David J. Baker commenced his successful earcor at
the bar, in Kaskaskia. He enjoyed a.lucrativo practice
for many years. He now livos in Alton, having retired,
in his old a^e, from the profession.
k.aj»i*:a>*k:i,v, wince isoo.
About the commencement of the year 1800, a differ-
ent class of people, bringing different customs and
characteristics, began to disturb the quiet repose which
the happy people of Kaskaskia had enjoyed for nearly
one hundred years, and a rapid transition from a French
to an American city was commenced. At that time it
was essentially a French village, with all their peculiar
customs. The French style of architecture had been
adopted and preserved in the erection of their buildings,
and though there were some fine and elegantly fur-
nished houses, an altitude of one story was as high as
they ever rose. The only brick house in the place had
been standing for fifty years or more, and at the time
it was built, it was the only brick house west of Pitts-
burg. The brick of which its walls were made were
brought from Pittsburg in flatboats. It is still stand-
ing — ;xn interesting relic of Kaskaskia's former days.
A new order of things was inaugurated by the new
class of citizens, and the place began to experience the
symptoms of those convulsions in which " junction
cities" spring into existence. General Edgar erected a
large dwelling, and furnished it in grand style. The
ruins of this building still remain — the posts and the
chimney are standing — the more interesting as a relic
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 47
of days gone by, because it was the house in whose
spacious parlors General La Fayette was entertained
when he visited Kaskaskia, in 1824. William Mor-
rison, also, erected a large stone mansion, where he dis-
played hospitality in a princely style. The walls of this
building are still standing, cracked and shaken, however.
It, too, is interesting, because the complimentary ball to
General LaFayette was given in its richly furnished
parlors.
In 1809, when Illinois Territory was organized, Kas-
kaskia became the scat of Government — the Governor
and Secretary resided there, and brought all the con-
comitants of municipal regulations. The first session
of the Territorial Legislature convened in Kaskaskia,
on the 25th day of November, 1812, and continued to
hold its sessions there until the. capital was located at
Vandalia. Kaskaskia was, and had been since the
year 1795, the county seat of Randolph County; where
the courts were held, from the Supreme down to the
Justices.
The first newspaper in Illinois was established in
1809, by Mathew Duncan, from Kentucky. lie con.
ducted it until 1815, when it was purchased by Robert
Blackwell and Daniel P. Cook. During its exist-
ence its columns were edited by many persons who
have become distinguished lawyers and statesmen —
Judge Breese is one of them.
During the period of ten years, from 1810 to 1820,
Kaskaskia was the rendezvous of an immense floating
population, which gave it the air of a bee-hive. Every
emigrant to the Territory directed his course to it as
the point from which to explore the country and select
locations. A census taken then showed the population
to be seven thousand and some hundreds.
48 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
About 1820 other towns began to spring up and
claim attention. The confusion, bustle and storm
raised by the swarming emigrants in Kaskaskia, began
to die away, leaving the village to gradually and quietly
resume its original character.
THE CONVENT.
Jn 1832 the Sisters of the Visitation came to Kaskas-
kia, and commenced the erection of a Convent. By the
assistance of Col. Menard the enterprise promised a
success, and early in 1833 the foundation of the struc-
ture was laid. The main building is one hundred and
ten feet long, thirty -two feet wide, and four stories high.
The wing, two stories high, runs back one hundred and
fifty feet. It was completed and opened for the recep-
tion of pupils in 1830, and continued a flourishing in-
stitution until 1844. The building cost §30,000 and
was the largest of its class in the West, at the time of
its erection.
The err eat flood of 1844 so damaged the building and
the prospects of the institution that it was abandoned
by the Sisters. Since then it has been yielding to the
wear and waste of time, and must soon pass into ruins.
It is a stately though crumbling monument of the
christian enterprise of these pious and holy women.
They came from Georgetown, D. C, and during their
stay in Kaskaskia two of them died. The others — four
in number — went to St. Louis, where they have a pop-
ular institution.
The flood of 1844 — the most destructive that has
occurred since the Mississippi river has been known —
blighted the prospects of Kaskaskia, as it did those of
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 49
every place in the river bottom. 1 is commercial impor-
tance was destroyed, and all that, which gives life and
vigor to a place was paralyzed. Many of the houses
were twisted and racked upon their foundations. The
damage to property was incalculable.
Again, in 1851, the bottom was inundated, and though
the water did not reach the higher localities, its effects
were damaging in destroying the crops of the vicinity,
upon which the trade and life of the town were depen-
dent. And again, in 1857, the waters covered the bot-
tom, visiting destruction upon the crops and property
of the Kaskaskia people. These floods have left their
impress deeply marked upon the once beautiful cottages
of the village, and but for a few buildings that have
been repaired and improved by the more enterprising
citizens, it would seem that the work of decay and ruin
had commenced; but it may be a century hence ere
another flood shall come, in which time the place may
fully recover from the shocks it has received.
But whatever may be the fate which destiny has fixed
— whether it shall rise again to eclipse its former great-
ness, or whether it shall pass into ruins like Troy and
Babylon — it will ever claim an important place in the
annals of this country. The past, at least, is secure.
It can never pass into oblivion while the history of
America remains. All that which imparts, interest and
fascination to historic recollections is found in its records
and traditions. With an existence stretching back
into the darkness of an unexplored wilderness, its his-
tory blends the wild romance of Indian life with the
thrilling adventures of the French pioneers ; their life,
exploits and gayeties, for nearly one hundred years;
the pious labors of the Jesuit missionaries among the
untamed savages; the founding of the first parish
5U HISTORICAL SKCTCIIKtS
church in America; the military exploits of the English
in 1755; the transfer of the country from France to
England; the extraordinary campaign of Col. Clark;
and the 6eries of events by which the State Government
of Illinois was brought into existence.
In these sketches, a superficial outline is all that has
been attempted. The student of history may form
some conception of the prolific fountains, whose sources
only have been pointed out.
KOllT GJ-_-VGm;.
During the time of the Chickasaw war, in 1886, a
Fort was built upon the high hill on the eastern side
of the Kaskaskia, opposite the town.' Of its dimensions
and the materials of which it was constructed, nothing
is now definitely known. Tradition alone is the author-
ity for the fact of its erection at that period. It was
repaired in 1750, and occupied by a French garrison
during the "Old French War." From this time the
bluff on which it stood has borne the name of " Garrison
Hill." This old structure was destroyed by fire in
1766, and another Fort upon the same spot was soon
afterwards erected by the English. This new struc-
ture was built of immense square timbers, and was two
hundred and ninty feet long and two hundred and fifty-
one feet wide. Within the main building was a maga-
zine constructed of stone, a commandant's chamber,
and some smaller houses. When Fort Chartres was
abandoned in 1772, the Governor and the British gar-
rison moved to, and occupied " Fort Gage" — the Fort
OP RANDOLPH COUNTY. 51
having received that appellation in honor of General
Gage, the then British Commander-in-chief. At the
time Col. Clark besieged and took the Fort, in 1778,
it was occupied by a garrison of twonty soldiors, under
the command of Governor Rocheblave, and strongly
guarded by four cannons. It was then the headquar-
ters of the British government in the West, and con-
tained the records of the Territory from the time the
English took possession, in 17G3. When the governor
was taken prisoner in his private chamber in the Fort,
his wife, with a solicitude that never deserts a woman
in the moment of peril, concealed or destroyed the
archives, so that the land grants and other valuable
documents of that period, have been lost.
Col. Clark occupied the Fort while he remained, and
after he left the country and the war ceased, it was de-
serted, and remained without an occupant until 1801 >
when Col. Pike's regiment occupied it for a short time.
From this date it began to decay, and its walls soon
crumbled and fell to the ground. It is now an obscure
ruin. The traces of the walls are faintly visible. The
outlines of the magazine, and the breastworks thrown up
during the time of the Revolution, may yet be seen.
RILEY'S MILL.
Some most deeply interesting historical recollections
cluster around the place, known in modern days by
the name of "Riley's Mill," situated on the eastern sido
of Kaskaskia. For aught that is now known to the
contrary, the first mill that was erected in Illinois may
have stood upon this mill site; for the time previous to
the building of a mill there has passed from the tradi-
52 HISTORICAL 8KSTCHE8
tions of Kaakaskia. Certain it is, however, that a mill
was standing there one hundred and fifty years ago.
According to the title records; now in possession of Mr.
Riley, the name of him that owned the mill at that
period was Prix Paot. [This name is somewhat con-
founded with that of Paget, and as the French pro-
nounce both names the same, it is probable that it is
the same name, though spelled differently. Peck and
Reynolds both employ Peget, in reference to this mil-
ler, but the name in the deed of conveyance which Mr.
Riley holds, is spelled Pagi.] He erected a stone
building, and manufactured flour for the New Orleans
and Mobile markets. How long he continued to run
the mill is not known, but he lost his life in one of
those tragic scenes common to Indian barbarity. One
day while superintending the operations of the mill, the
premises were attacked by a band of Kickapoo Indians,
and he was murdered in a most shocking manner.
When the attack was made upon the mill, a negro es-
caped by a back way, fled to the town and gave the
alarm. Tho people came and found the body of Pagi
upon the floor mangled and cut to pieces. Tho head
was severed from tho body, scalped, and thrown into
the hopper.
After the death of Pagi, the mill was abandoned,
and became a ruin — the walls only remaining. About
the year 1705, General Edgar purchased the tract of
land and rebuilt the mill. The mill-pond, situated
about three hundred yards distant from tho mill, was
made by nature, and apparently designed for the pur-
pose. It covers an area of about forty acres, and is
surrounded by an irregular range of hills, with an outlet
for the water on the side towards the mill, about three
hundred feet wide. An embankment, or dam. was
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. •*>$
mado across this outlet, and the water forced to pass
through an arched culvert, at the end of which is a gate
to regulate the passage of the water. During the inter-
val in which the mill ceased to run, this dam wan
almost destroyed by the wear of the floods, but it was
repaired by General Edgar, and made more substantial
than before. At the time these repairs were made, Mrs.
Edgar, and " Dice," a negrcss belonging to the family,
planted some little cotton- wood cions in the mellow dirt,
which have grown to be stately trees. The regular
order in which these trees are standing upon that em-
bankment has prompted many a curious conjecture.
Strangers visiting the ground are apt to notice this
regularity.
Gen. Edgar kept the mill in operation for many
years, and the pioneers, as they came to the country .and
settled in different parts of the county, resorted to U
to have their milling done. A few of those relic9 of
early days are still remaining, and they retain vivid
recollections of the days when they rode astride a
horse, with a sack containing two bushels of corn for a
saddle, a distance of ten or fifteen miles, to " Edgar's
Mill," and waited and fished in the mill-pond until their
"turn" was ground. Waiting for "turns" was an
interesting epoch for boys whose sociable disposition
found but few opportunities for exercise in their iso-
lated homes. Many a happy hour has been whiled
away around that old mill, by the boys who congre-
gated there from the different settlements. "Mill
boys" did not require the formalities of an introduc-
tion before they joined in a game of marbles or bat. It
was a privilege to go to mill, and the longer they had
to wait the better it pleased them. With men it was
different. They were always in a hurry, and jealous of
*5
-54 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
their rights. If one was ever cheated out of his "torn,"
which sometimes happened, a fight was the result.
But these happy days for the hoys, and hours of ner-
vous anxioty for the men, have passed away.
The mill ceased to operate again while yet in the
hands of General Edgar, and remained still for several
years. In 1832, it was purchased by Messrs. Feaman
& Co. It was again repaired and put in good business
order. This company conducted it for some years,
when it again changed hands.
It came into the possession of the present enterpris-
ing proprietor, Mr. Daniel Riley, in 1842. Formerly,
the water was conveyed to the wheel through hollov.-
logs. Since Mr. Riley has had it, he has constructed
a substantial frame work for this conveyance, and ha-
made such other improvements as prevents the waste
of water, and secures a sufficient quantity to keep the
mill running, with about fourteen horse power, during
nearly the whole season. The wheel is an over-shot,
and no more water is allowed to escape from the pond
than is necossary to drive the machinery.
Such is a history of this ancient mill. All that now
remains of tho original structure is the northeast cor-
ner. This part of the building has stood through all
the changes of its eventful existence, and its perma-
nence would indicate that it may defy the corrosive
attrition of another century.
A short distance in front of the mill stands a beauti-
ful little mound, called " Mound Isabella," named in
honor of Mrs. Edoar. Some fruit trees, planted by her
and "aunt Dick,'' are still growing upon this mound.
This negro woman was the house servant of Mrs.
Bdoae. She died three years ago, having livod one
hum I red years.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 55
A spring of pure cool water gushes out of the sido
of the bluff, closo to the place where Mr. Riley's store-
house is now located, whose clear stream has slaked the
thirst of those who brought the germ of civilization to
the Western world. A former age may claim it, and
the associations of antiquity may cluster around it, but
its waters are as fresh and pure to-day as when the
first white man drank from its pebbly urn.
Mr. Riley established a store a few years ago close
to his mill, and he has brought around him a very brisk
and remunerative trade. In 1855, finding the capacity
of the old mill inadequate to the demands of an
increased population and the increased growth of
wheat, he commenced the erection of a steam-mill
which has since gone into operation. Both mills may
be kept running most of the year by the water of tho
pond above described.
FORT CHARTRIW*.
Under the patronage of the Company of tho West,
and bearing a charter from the crown of France, M.
Pierre Duque Baisbriant, the representative of the
government, and Marc Antoine de la Soirk Dk Ur_
sins, the principal Secretary of the Company, came to
Kaskaskia, in 1717, with instructions to erect a Fort
which should be made the Seat of Government for the
Illinois country.
The site selected was in the American Bottom, one
mile distant from the Mississippi river, and about three
miles from the eastern range of bluffs, in tho northwest
corner of the present limits of Randolph County. The
work was commenced in 1717, and the Fort, completed
50 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
in two years. It was called-" Fort des ^hnrtres," for
the reason that its erection was authorized by a charter
from Louis XIV, King of France. It was built of
timber, of ample dimensions for the orection within of
a building to accommodate the Executive of the Terri-
tory, one for the garrison, a magazine, and some others.
The Fort was surrounded with a strong palisade, con-
structed of such immense timbers, and finished so sub-
stantially, as to be almost impregnable to the assaults of
any implements of war known to those early days.
It was designed for the purpose, and became the seat
of government for Illinois. It was the headquarters
of the French officers while the country remained in
possession of France. The celebrated Francois Re-
nault resided here, and directed his extensive mining
operations. Baisbriant and Ursins were vested with
the power of making grants of land. Some of their
records are now in the Recorder's office of this county.
For a time, Fort Chartres became the centre of busi-
ness, fashion, and gayety.
The Company of the West was dissolved in 1730,
and D'Artaquette was appointed Governor. In 1736,
when the Chickasaw war commenced, Governor Bien-
ville, of Louisiana, called upon the Governor of Illi-
nois for all the troops he could raise. Exerting his in-
fluence with the chiefs of the Indian tribes west of
Lake Michigan, he collected about one thousand war-
riors at Fort Chartres. The gallant Vincennes, of the
Wabash country, united his forces with D'Artaciette.
All the French soldiers that could be raised were
rendezvoused at the Fort. Preparations for the expe-
dition to meet Bienville in the South, were hastily
made, and the whole army departed from Fort Char-
tres down the Mississippi.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 57
The unfortunate fate of the brave and chivalrous
D'Artaguette and Vincennes has been related. La
Buissoniere succeeded to the Governorship of Illinois.
In 1739, a further requisition was made upon him for
troops. Ho collected about two hundred French sol-
diers, and three hundred Indian warriors, and sailed
from Fort Chartres down the Mississippi, to join Ihe
Southern army.
In 1751, the Chevalier McCauty became Governor of
Illinois, and arrived at Fort Chartres in August, with
troops to reinforce the Fort. As war at that time was
raging between France and England, and threatening
to disturb the Western country, it was decided to
rebuild and improve the Fort. This time it was built
of durable limestone, quarried in the bluff three miles
distant, boated across an intervening lake, and carted
to the Fort. The plan of the new structure was differ-
ent from the old one, and much larger. It was an
irregular square, or quadrangle. The exterior sides
were four hundred and ninety-feet, and, therefore, the
main building covered an area of five acres and a frac-
tion. The walls were two feet two inches thick, and
pierced with loop-holes at regular distances, and two
port-holes in the faces, and two in the flanks of each
bastion for cannon. A banquette around the interior
side of the wall was raised three feet high for the sol-
diers to stand upon when they fired from behind the
parapets. Within the square of the main building were
erected a Commandant's and Commissary's house ; a
magazine for stores, and two barracks. In the gorges
of the bastions were the powder-magazine, a bake-
house, and a prison. On the lower floor of the prison
were four dungeons.
The commandant's house was ninety-six feet long,
58 HISTORICAL 8KETCHK.8
and thirty foot wide. It contained a parlor, dining-
room, bed-chambor, kitchen, one small room, five closets
for servants, and a cellar. The commissary's houso
was precisely similar to the one just described. Oppo-
site these was the storehouse, ninety feet long and
twenty-four wide. It contained two largo store-rooms,
a parlor, chapel, an officers' guard-room, a closet for the
storekeeper, and bed-chamber. Beneath the storehouse
was. a vaulted cellar. Tho barracks were each twenty
feet square, and each contained two rooms for officers
and three for soldiers. Over each building spacious
lofts extended from end to end, and were used for
storing regimental stores and entrenching tools. Capt.
Pitman, an engineer belonging to tho British army,
visited Fort Chartrcs about the year 1768, and gave it
as his opinion that it was the strongest and most con-
veniently arranged fortification on the North American
Continent.
When the English took possession of the eountry in
1765, (the cession was made in 1708.) Fort Chartrcs
w;is made the Seat of Government, and a small garrison
stationed there. Capt. Stirling formally took posses-
sion of the eountry on arriving at Port Chartrcs, by
issuing a proclamation in the name of "His Britanie
.Majesty." signed by Thomas (Iaok, then Commander-
in-Chief of the British army in the Colonies. Capt.
Stirling died in six months after his arrival. He was
succeeded first by Major Fraziku, then by Col. Rkki>,
then by Col. Wii.kins, each of whom made their resi-
dence at the Port.
When the Fort was first built, in 1718-10, it stood
about one mile distant from the river. In 1724, a great
freshet overflowed the river bottom, and washed away
some of the bank in front of the Fort. The margin of
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 59
the Mississippi, made by alluvial soil, is ever changing.
In 1756, the river bank was half a mile from the Fort.
A 6hort time before Capt. Pitman's visit, in 17G8, a sand
bar was formed in the river, and directed the current
against the bank nearest the Fort, which wore it away
rapidly. Two years afterwards the river had approach-
ed so near as to alarm the officers about to the safety of
their magnificent Fortress. In 1772, another freshet
inundated the river bottom, and undermined the west-
ern wall of the Fort. The balance of the structure
was greatly injured. It was abandoned, and the Seat of
Government established at Fort Gage, upon the summit
of Garrison Hill, far above the reach of floods.
Fort Chartres was thought to be the Gibraltar of
America, but the turbulent current of the Mississippi,
more powerful than armies and navies, worked its
downfall. It crumbled and wasted rapidly. It was
deserted, and the demolishing elements played familiar
with its crumbling walls. In 182U the southeast angle
was still remaining. The traces of the front Mall were
completely gone, and the northeast sections were in
ruins. From this period the process of demolition and
dilapidation was rapid. Much of the stone was taken
away, and used for building material in other places
It was soon a heap of mouldering ruins, and the fata
of Palmyra, Persepolis and Balbec, is suggested to the
visitor, as he beholds its remaining vestiges, slumbering
in the midst of a forest. Trees of stately growth and
clinging vines are growing upon its foundations. The
river has retreated, and is a mile distant from the ruins
Upon the intervening land, which is in the very place
where the mighty volumo of the Mississippi's sullen
waters swept along eighty years ago, there is a heavy,
dense growth of timber.
60 HISTORICAL SKETCH t!«
l^E&ufVUtl'lB DU UOCUEKi
The town of Prairio du Roehor was i'oundcd about
the year 1722 — one hundred and thirty-seven years ago.
About thuo time a few French families gathered to-
gether and formed the nucleus for the town. Others
coming to the country, cast their lot with them, and a
flourishing little village was started. Tho strongest
inducements it could hold out to emigrants, was its
secluded situation and romantic scenery. It stood at
the foot of the Mississippi bluffs — whose picturesque
grandeur is unsurpassed by any range along that great
river — fourteen miles from Kaskaskia, and three miles
from Fort Chartres. Though it never attained that
degree of importance which marked the prosperity of
its cotemporaneous rivals, yet it acquired, in an early
day, ail the concomitants of a healthy, vigorous town
The evidences of water-mills in its vicinity, erectcc
there in a very early period of its existence, may yet
be seen, and the vestiges of stone buildings in the town,
evidently the work of wealth and enterprise, are yel
visible.
In the vicinity of the town were many natural objects
of curiosity, to attract the attention of those who had
a taste tor the wonderful, and probably from this cause
many were induced to locate in that place. The natu-
ral mill Bite situated in a ravine which abruptly breaks
the range of rocky blufts that overlooks the town, was
something to attract wonder and admiration, as well
as to furnish to some enterprising capitalist the advan-
tages of a saw mill more than half constructed. The
range of bluffs on one side of thib break, following th<
course of the ravine, describes an arc. and a natural
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 61
ridge starting from a point of the bluff on the opposito
side of the ravine, marks the diameter of the circle, and
reaches within two hundred feet of the bluff on the
other side. This ridge was finished out by artificial
means in the days of the Jesuits, and gave a fall of
near twenty feet to the water where it, dammed the
ravine. The~ area of the mill-pond is about two hun-
dred acres, and the stream of water coming through
the bluffs is fed by never failing springs.
There is a spring situated at the foot of the bluffs, one
mile above the town, which gushes out at the base of a
perpendicular rock, towering up two hundred feet high,
and sends forth an immense volume. Form ei-ly*" the
-aperture through which the water rose was about six
feet in diameter, and its depth could not be fathomed.
Latterly, it has been nearly filled with sticks and
stones by wanton hands. The crystal purity of this
Spring would suggest that it might have been the foun-
tain so eagerly sought by the Spanish explorers of this
Continent, which they supposed to possess properties
that would give immortality to youthful vigor.
A cave in the side of the bluff not far distant from
the spring, is another object of curious interest. The
entrance to the cavern is about sixty feet high from the
base of the rock; is almost round, and about six feet in
diameter. Its interior chambers have been explored
somewhat, but nothing is known of their dimensions.
There is a legend which relates that at one time the
Spaniards hid valuable treasures in the cave. Many
an avaricious spirit has searched and shoveled in vain
for the possession of those treasures, and the same in-
ducement to search remains.
The Common Field, and Commons of Prairie du Ro-
cher were granted to the village in the year 1730, bv
6
62 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
Jean Baptiste St. Therse, nephew of Baisbriant,
Governor of Louisiana, who obtained the title from the
Royal Company of the Indies. The church property
was obtained from the same BOOrcc, and the church was
erected in the year 1734. The. same building is still
standing, and forms one of the most interesting relics
of former years to be found about the village. It was
constructed in the French style of architecture, by
driving cedar posts into the ground, and tilling the
space between them with stone and mortar. For a
period of one hundred and twenty-five years it has
stood against storm and flood, and its walls have echoed
the pious articulations of many holy men, who have
long since passed to the realms of a brighter existence.
Within its portals have been christened the infants of
three successive generations, and the marriage vows
of the parish people in all that time have been heard
at its sacred altar. But mutation has been written
upon it as surely as it was upon the minarets of an-
cient Nincvah. Though the rites of the church arc
yet performed within its ancient portals, the time-worn
walls are yielding to the pressure of the roof, and must
ere long fall to the ground. Preparations have already
commenced for the erection of a new One, which will
con trasfc strikingly with the rude structure of the old
one.
Among the earliest of the French settlers in Prairie
dn Rocher, appear the names of Etenne Langlois,
Jean Baptiste Blais, Jean Baptiste Barbeau, An-
toine Louvier, LaCompte, and some others.
Etenne Langlois came from Canada, and devoted
himself to farming. He became a very influential man
in the community, and left a very respectable farffily.
His oldest son, Etenne, was a wheel-wright, and a very
OP RANDOLPH COUNTY. 63
useful man in the town. He left three sons — Etennb,
Charles, and William. Charles is now living about
four miles west of Prairie du Rocher. The other two
died several years ago.
Franqois was the second son of the first Langlois,
and the father of Jerard, Ant oine, Francois, Michael,
and Benjamin, who were conspicuous members of that
community forty years ago and later. Francois Lang-
lois, now living about five miles east of the town, is
the son of Jerard. The family is very numerous.
Jean Batiste Blais Avas the germ of that respecta-
ble fanlily. He devoted himself to the quiet pursuit of
farming, and was a leading man in the village. He
reached an extreme old age, and died in the year 1783,
leaving four sons — Antoine, Joseph, Charles, and
Louis — the latter died in early life. The others were
industrious, respectable citizens. Joseph and Antoine
died in 1823 ; Charles in 1831. Antoine Blais, who
is now merchandising in Praire du Rocher, and Expe-
dient, his brother, living seven miles east of the town,
are sons of Antoine, and grandsons of Jean Baptiste
Joseph.
Jean Baptiste Barbeau was another of the first em-
igrants from Canada, and one of the founders of Prairie
du Rocher. He was the father of the respectable fam-
ily bearing his name, who have always held a promi-
inent position in that community. His sons were
Andrew, Antoine, Baptiste and Henry, all of whom
are dead. Their descendents are numerous. Andrew,
the oldest son, reached an extreme old age, and died
suddenly, while walking upon the bluffs, a few months
ago. Mr. Cole and Mr. Crane, of St. Louis, both mar-
ried daughters of Antoine.
Antoine Louvier came in early times from Canada,
64 HISTORICAL SKETCHE8
and engaged in farming. His son Antoine became a
very prominent man, and died in 1836, leaving a very
numerous family, many of whom are still living in the
village
Damour Louvikr was a branch of tho same family,
and lived in the town during a long life.
A Mr. LaCompte was one of the first settlers, and died
about the close of the last century. He left a son who
was promoted to the post of Major of the Militia, in
1812, which place he filled with much popularity. He
was among the first men of Prairie du Rocher during
his life. He has a son now residing in St. Genivieve,
Missouri.
Among those who came in later years are the names
of Jean Baptiste Du Clais; Erny, Joseph, Alexis and
Isadore Godair; Francois and Joseph Tongais; Joseph
Champagne; Joseph Lamore; the Fascair family and
some others.
Jean Baptiste DuClais was a blacksmith, and a
very useful man to the town, and the surrounding
countrj-. He lived to be very old, and died in 1838.
He had a son, Michael, who was an industrious farmer.
He died in 1839, leaving a large family, many of whom
are now living in the town.
The Godair brothers came from Detroit and engaged
in farming. They became somewhat distinguished for
hunting adventures. They left a numerous desccn-
dency, who are engaged in farming.
Joseph Tongais lived in Prairie du Rocher until his
death, in 1S27, having spent an industrious life. His
brother Francois died in 1827, leaving two sons — Fran-
cois and Amade — both residing in Monroe County.
Joseph Champagne was a Canadian, and came to
Prairie du Rocher about the close of the last century.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 65
He was a carpenter by trade, and built the mansion of
Col. Menard, at the foot of Garrison Hill, on the east
side of the Kaskaskia river. This house is still stand-
ing, but in a state of rapid decay. Champagne died in
St. Clair County, in 1828.
Joseph Lamore was a farmer, and died in 1825, leav-
ing no descendents about Prairie du Eocher.
The Fascair family became numerous, and bore a
conspicuous part in the community. Ambrose, John
and Henry Kerr, are descendants of this family.
The history of Prairie du Eocher presents no marked
event. It was strictly a French village for more than
an hundred years, and the orderly inhabitants quietly
pursued their various avocations, enjoying their social
amusements undisturbed. They were a happy, con-
tented people, unambitious, and careless of wealth or
distinction. They were free from that strife, conten-
tion and turmoil which attends the pursuit of wealth
and political preferment. Their life was an uninter-
rupted stream of quiet, joyous happiness.
About the year 1800, the first English or American
settlers appeared among the people of Prairie du Eo-
cher. Archibald McNab came from Kentucky and
established a tan-yard — the first in the place — and car-
ried on that business until 1821. In that year he died.
Alexander McN~ab, now living in the town, is a son of
of Archibald.
About the same timo, or probably as early as 1795
Clement Drury, from Maryland, came to Prairie du
Eocher, and erected a horse-mill. This mill stood near
the present residence of Mr. Sprigg. It did a good bus-
iness, and was ;i great benefit to the people for many
years. Mr. Drury died in 1812, leaving four soys —
John, Wim.iam, Clement, and Eaphael. John eiiiS*.
*6
66 HISTORICAL 8K1TCHB8
grated and settled in Missouri. "William and Clement
located in town, and died there some years ago, leaving
families. Raphael died in California.
Henry Conner came from Kentucky, in 1812, and
settled in the town. Two years afterwards, he was
.appointed to the office of Sheriff. He was Marshal of
the Territory at one time, and filled other offices. Ho
left three sons — Barnet, William, and Edward. Bar-
net; IpxKited in Monroe county, and died there in 1852.
William lives in Wisconsin. Edward located in Prai-
rie du Rocher, where he died, leaving a family, which
still reside there.
In 1814, Henry Kerr, an Englishman, came from
Boston, and established a store. He continued in this
business several years. Ambrose, John,, and Henry
Kerr, before referred to, are his sons. The two former
are merchandising ; the latter lives two miles from
town, and is engaged in farming.
In 1824, the population of Prairie du Rocher was
about five hundred. In that year, Andrew Barbeau
built a mill about one mile below town. In 1825, tho
town was incorpoi'ated, but there appearing to be no
necessity for an organization, it was abandoned. In
1835, it was renewed again, but has since ceased to ex-
ist. In 1840, "William Henry, Esq., erected and put
In operation a steam-mill upon the same ground where
the new mill of Brickey & Lee now stands. In 1850,
an impetus was given to the progress of the town,
since which time it has been improving rapidly, and
promises a healthy and vigorous growth.
The place now contains one first class flouring mill ;
four dry goods stores ; two grocery stores ; two furni-
ture stores; one saddlery shop ; one tailor shop; one
boot and shoe shop ; one wagon shop ; three blacksmith
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 67
shops; one wagon manufactory; two carpenter and
cabinet shops ; two hotels; one church — no resident
priest. Present population about five hundred.
RANDOLPH COUNTY.
A special sketch having been devoted to the leading
events which precede the existence of Randolph county,
and which transpired within its limits ; and, also, a
sketch of the towns which have marked its progress,
but little remains of its history beyond the transition
from a wilderness to the high state of prosperous
development which it now enjoys, and the arrival of
the pioneers who laid the foundation for that great
change.
1798. — Tradition has it that when Col. Clark took
possession of the country, in 1778, he named the district
around Kaskaskia " Randolph County," as a compli-
ment to Edmund Randolph, the distinguished States
man of Virginia. The limits of the county were not
defined ; neither was there a county organization.
Upon the arrival of Governor St. Clair, at Kaskaskia,
in 1790, he established St. Clair County, which em-
braced all the southern part of the State below a point
on the Illinois river, including the region which Col.
Clark had previously named Randolph County.
1795. — In 1795, however, Randolph County was for-
68 HI8TORI0AL SKETCHES
mally established, and the machinery of local govern-
ment put in operation. It included all that part of the
State whioh lies south of a line running upon the par-
allel of the New Design Settlement, in Monroe county,
due east to the Wabash river.
At the time the county was organized, the area
which it now includes was an almost unbroken wilder-
ness, interrupted only by the villages of Kaskaskia and
Prairie du Eocher. But the precursors of civilization
and refinement were on their way, and the rays of a
new era were reaching into its wild woods. The story
of its fertile soil, its delightful and health-giving cli-
mate, and its crystal streams of water, had gone to the
Atlantic coast and awakened a spirit of emigration.
Lured by the accounts of a country for which Nature
had done so much, the pioneers began to drop in and
join the scattering few who had already located amidst
its darkened forests. These were a brave and noble race
of men, and merit a place in these sketches. They
opened the way for the great improvement that has
followed, the blessings of which are now enjoyed by
those inhabiting the county. They, too, furnished the
materials, and with them occurred the events which
impart all that is interesting to the early history of
Randolph County.
SETTLEMENT — AND PIONEEUS OF 1
RANDOLPH COUNTY.
1780. — A little colony of pionoers- — some of whom
were soldiers under Col. Ci.auk — made a settlement on
the east side of the Kaskaskia river, three miles from
town, as early as tne year 1780. The names of these
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 69
settlers were John Montgomery, Joseph Anderson,
John Dodge, John Doyle, David Paqon, M. Augustus,
James Curry, and Levi Teel. They erected a few
rude cabins, and made small farms. John Montgomery
located upon the identical spot where Stage McDon-
ough settled when he came to the country twenty
years later. The settlement was almost broken up
before the year 1790.
These pioneers experienced all the incidents common
to frontier life, and encountered perilous adventures of
a character so thrilling as to assume the air x>f fiction.
One day, James Curry and Levi Teel were out hunt-
ing, and being overtaken by nightfall, they encamped
in a new house just erected by David Pagon, but not
yet occupied. During the latter part of the night the
house was besieged by a band of sixteen Piankashaw
Indians. Teel proposed to surrender, lest a worse fate
should befall them. To this proposition Curry reso-
lutely demurred. He was brave, even to desperation;
and knowing the house had been built substantial, and
that the door was strongly barred, he determined to
give battle. Teel went to the door, either to open it,
or reconnoitre, and while standing near it, the Indians
stuck a spear through a hole in the door into his foot,
which fastened him to the floor. Instinctively he seized
the spear to pull it out, when another spear was driven
into his hand. His heartless enemies now had him
fast, and they jagged and cut his hands in a most shock-
ing manner. Curry, fearing lest Teel should open the
door, mounted the loft and commenced firing upon the
assailants. He fired three shots in rapid succession,
each time bringing a warrior to the ground. Still fear-
ing that Teel would open the door, he descended to
the floor, and finding him disabled, he again sprang to
70 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
the loft and renewed his desperate defense. Discover-
ing that the Indians had huddled close against the house
to avoid his destructive shots, ho tumbled the weight-
poles of the roof dqwn upon them, killing their chief,
and wounding some others. Tins intrepid feat, and
the approach of morning light drove the Indians from
the houso, leaving Curry the victorious champion of
the siege. By his fearless daring ho saved himself and
companion from Indian captivity, and probably death
at the stake.
Curry was one of Clark's favorite soldiers, and dis-
tinguished himself in the capture of Forts Gage and
Sackville. lie was foremost in every perilous enter-
prise, and never quailed before danger. His life was
one of thrilling adventures, and fate doomed him to a
tragic end. In company with Joseph Anderson, he
went out hunting and never returned. The presence
of lurking, hostilo savages, left no doubts about the
manner of his death.
JosEPn Curry, now an old man, living at Mr. Riley's
Mill, is a grandson of the pioneer hero.
This little settlement was harrassed unceasingly by
the Indians until the sottlcrs were forced to abandon it.
But it was renewed again in a few years, and became
one of the most important in the county.
1780. — In the same year that this settlement was
made opposite Kaskaskia, another one was commencod
on the same side of the river, above the mouth of Nine
Mile creek, by some of Clark's soldiers, and a few
friends whom they had induced to come to the country.
Among the settlers were Daniel Hicks, Henry and
Elijah Smith, Hitterbranp, Hayden, Lancepord and
some others. Most of these men lived and died in this
settlement. They were quiet, industrious people, and
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 71
took but little part in any thing beyond the limits
of their own neighborhood. The descendants of some
of them are still living in the county.
1783. — In the year 1783, Thomas Hughs, Irom Ken-
tucky, came to the Territory to select a place with a
view of bringing out his family. He marked a placo
for settlement on the eastern side of the Kaskaskia
river, in the Montgomery neighborhood, and then re-
turned for his family in Kentucky. On his return to
that State he persuaded some friends to accompany
him, and a small party started for Illinois. While
crossing the Ohio river, they were attacked by Indians,
and Hughs and three others of the party were killed.
Mrs. Hughs was sitting in the boat with her child at
the breast, and a ball from one of the savages' guns
spattered its brains in her face.
The balance of the party escaped and returned to
Kentucky. Some years afterwards, Mrs. Hughs mar-
ried James Pillars, and with his two sons — JonN and
Eichard, and the surviving son of Hughs — James —
they resolved to resume the journey to the wilds of Illi-
nois, which had been so suddenly interrupted by the
death of Hughs.
1795. — They arrived at Kaskaskia in 1795, and made
a settlement on the east side of the river — on the farm
which is now occupied by Henry Hughs, and widely
known as the "old Hughs place." Pillars remained
upon the farm several years, and was an industrious,
quiet and respected citizen.
James HuGHS-^-son of him who was killed by the
Indians — returned to Kentucky and married, and came
again to Illinois in the year 1800. He was a man of
remarkable energy and sound judgment, and became a
very important constituent of the infant settlement.
72 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
He was in the United States. ranging service, in 1812.
He obtained possession of his step-father's farm, and
lived upon it until his death. His sons have borne a
respectable position in this county.
James Hughs was the oldest, and became a very pop-
ular man. He was often elected to fill important offices.
He died in Kaskaskia, in 1842. JonN Hughs was the
second son, and now lives about ten miles northwest of
Chester. Stace located on the west side of the Kas-
kaskia river, in the O'Harra neighborhood, and died
there in 1857. Felix resides near his brother John, is
a farmer, and holds the office of magistrate. Henry
lives upon the farm of his father where he was born.
John Pillars opened a farm about half a mile north
west of his father, but moved soon afterwards, and lo-
cated on the western side of the Opossumden prairie.
He was a man of high standing, having been chosen
major of the militia, which position he held for a long
term of years. He died in 1851, On his farm, where he
had lived nearly half a century.
Richard Pillars was of a migratory disposition,
seldom remaining long at any place. He last lived on
Mary's River, near the Little Mill seat, and died there
fin 1844. The descendants of the Pillars are still re-
siding in the county.
'„ 1797. — Stace McDonough, one of the most conspic-
ous and leading characters of pioneer times, came and
located in the Pillars' settlement in 1787. He was a
soldier in the Kentucky militia, and was in many expe-
ditions against the Indians. He served under Col.
Clark in an expedition to the Wabash, in 1786. He
was in the disastrous defeat of Gen. St. Clair, in 1791,
and miraculously saved himself from that dreadful car-
nage. He commanded a boat on the Ohio river, in
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 73
1793, and while passing down the stream was shot in
the shoulder by some lurking savages on the shore.
This wound affected him through life. He was also
with Anthony Wayne, and suited the character of that
General, whose exploits gained for him the sobriquet of
"Mad Anthony." During the war of 1812, he carried
the mail from St. Louis, by way of Kaskaskia, to Shaw-
neetown, and though the ^oute was beset by dangers
from the hostile Indians, he made his trips regularly.
He was elected Captain of a ranging company, and
filled the station with marked ability. He lived on the
farm where he first settled, for nearly half a century,
and died much lamented. He left two sons — James
and David; the former settled in the lower end of the
Opossumden Prairie about the year 1820. He died tbere
some years ago, and his family are living around the
old farm. David lives oij the farm made by his father.
1798. — Another addition was made to this settlement
in the person of Jonathan Pettit, in the year 1798.
He was a noble specimen of the pioneer class, and by
his enterprising energy he became a valuable acquisi-
tion to the little colony in which he located. He
erected a mill on Nine Mile creek, at. the point whero
the Chester and Evansville road crosses that stream.
Some evidences of the existence of this mill may yet bo
found. Pettit was an active, industrious man, full of
life and energy. Like most of the brave pioneers, he-
joined the " Rangers" in 1812, and discharged his mili-
tary duties in a manner very creditable to himself and
the service. His sons were David, Henry, Jonathan,.
and Joseph. The only one of the name of this family
remaining in the county is Henry Newton Pettit, who
lives about five miles northwest of Chester.
1795. — About 1795, John J. Whiteside, and some
7
74 HISTORICAL SKRTCHKS
others, laid off a town on the western hank of the Kan-
kaekia river, not far from the northern limits of Ran-
dolph county, and called it Washington, but it ceased
to grow and be called a town in a very few years. It
was a town only in name. Some of the Going family
located in this town, but they remained but a short
time.
Before the close of the century, another settlement
was commenced in Horse Prairie — a name given it
because of the great number of wild horses found in it.
The settlers here were Samuel and Winder Kinney,
Jarrot Brickey, Chance Ratcliff, Gibbons, Robert
McMahon, and some others. These men had first
located about the New Design, in Monroe County. For
a time this settlement promised to become permanent
and lasting, but it was harrassed by the Indians until
nearly all the settlers left it.
One of the most shocking Indian butcheries that ever
befell the family of any man, happened to that of
Robert McMahon. The Indians attacked his house
one day, while the family were all at home, and killed
Mrs. McMahon and four children. McMahon himself,
and two small daughters, were fettered and taken pris-
oners. The Indians, with their captives, hurried away,
lest the whites should pursue them. Some days after-
wards, Mr. Judy went to McMahon's house, and in-
stead of finding the family alive and well, as he had
expected, he found the mangled bodies of five stretched
in a row upon the floor, and the dead body of the baby
in the cradle, supposed to have died of hunger. The
Bad intelligence was given to the settlements around,
and a small party started in pursuit of the Indians, but
\hey had made good their escape.
The people of the surrounding neighborhoods gath-
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 75
ered together and buried the dead bodies, and after the
funeral was over, a religious meeting was held. The
solemn devotions, prompted by the awfully sorrowful
<K c:i<i>;':. continued until a late hour in the evening.
Jn^t ii- the congregation was about breaking up, Mr.
McMaiion tamo in, nearly exhausted, and fainting from
fatigue and mental anxiety. If some mysterious being
fiom the spirit world had appeared in the mid-t of that
assembly, no greater surprise could have been pro-
duced. He was informed that his family had Been
buried that day, and the awful butchery of which they
were the victims, had been the. occasion of that. meet-
ing. Struggling emotions of piercing sorrow and
thankful joy filled his heart. His family had been
murdered, but kind friends had buried them, and
ningled tears of sorrow with the sod over their graves;
nc had escaped from a horrible captivity, and generous
friends surrounded him, but the thought of his two
lovely daughters, still subject to the will of heartless
savages, almost made him frantic. Imagine, if possible,
the feelings of that man with such reflections upon his
mind. He told the story of the attack upon his house,
ami how brutally his lovely family were murdered
before his eyes, while he was bound and tied down,
unable to defend them. When his wife and four chil-
dren lay dead upon the floor, he and the two little girls
were marched off, and started under the control of
their captors, they knew not whither. The first night
after they started, the Indians, tied McMahon down
with tug-ropes, stripped him of most of his clothing,
and put a belt containing little bells around his body,
so that escape was impossible.
This night a heavy snow fell, and the weather turned
excessively cold. The next day they traveled hastily
76 historical SKrrcm;*
over the snowy, frozen ground, v, • • »< aJiUOsi kilh'd Mc-
Mahon and the little girls. The third night the party
camped above Sugar Creek, not far from the locality of
Lebanon, in St. Clair county. They had nothing but
dried venison to cat, and so little of that, thai it did
not satisfy the cravings of nature. But McMaiion,
although nearly starved and frozen, determined to make
his escape if possible. The Indians took the precau-
tion to tie and secure him as they had done the previous
night, but, after they had all lain down and were asleep,
he slipped the cords from his wrists and body, and
tied what little clothes he yet had on, around the belt of
bells, so that they made no noise. He was just attemp-
ting to rise, when one of the Indians raised his head
up and looked around, but not noticing McMaiion, laid
down again. When the Indian again slept, he rose
quietly and escaped, leaving his shoes and most of his
clothing. Traveling a short distance, barefooted and
almost naked, he thought it would be death to continuo,
and returned to the camp and tried to get his shoes,
but he could not without waking the Indians. Preferr-
ing to die a free man, of cold and hunger, in the
woods, rather than risk his life with those who had
cruelly murdered his family, he started for the New
Design, scarcely expecting to ever reach it. The night
following that of his escape, he laid down by a log, and
covering himself with leaves, he slept a little, but his
feet and elbows were severely frost bitten. The next
day, late in the evening, he arrived at Prairie du Rochcr,
nearer dead than alive. From there he proceeded to
the Lemons' Fort to join his friends as above related.
He did not inform his daughters of his intention to
escape, fearing they might cry and prevent him fi'v»i»i
getting away. He left them, bitter as was the ncccs-
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 77
sity, to the mercy of the savages, trusting that they
might yet be rescued; and so they were.
One incident connected with this horrible affair should
be related to show the sagacity of a little fiste dog.
During the few days that McMahon'8 family lay dead in
the house where they were murdered, this little dog, a
favorite in the family, would come to the New Design,
whine piteously, and run back and forth towards Mc-
Mahon's house, but no^ one took notice of him. His
visits were repeated daily; iVut the object of his coming
was not imagined or though? of until the murder was
discovered.
When McMaho* hud returned and gone into the
meeting, previously mentioned, this little dog was in the
house. He did not recognize his master at first, he
was so changed, but after a while he found him out,
and thon leaped upon him, and frisked about almost
wild with joy.
Some years after the murder of his family, McMahon
married again, and lived in Horse Prairie. He was ap-
pointed a Judge of the Common Pleas Court, and a Jus-
tice of the Peace in Kandolph Count}', which offices he
filled with much ability and satisfaction a long time.
He moved first to St. Clair, and then to Madison county,
where he died.
As remarked in a preceding paragraph, the settlement
in Horse Prairie was almost broken previous to the
year 1800. Besides McMahon, Henry Levens and
Jarrot BitiCKEY, were about the only ones who re-
mained permanently. The sons of Henry Levens —
Thomas, Isaiah, Otho and Bazyl — all located around
the home of their father, and became prominent men
in that little community; but they, and all their descen-
dants, are gone now.
*7
78 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
Jarrot Brickey was another of the sturdy, staunch
pioneers, who braved the dangers of Indian massacres
and midnight assassinations. He lived an industrious,
respected citizen of Horse. Traine for nearly half a cen-
tury, and during that time he was prominent in all
those scenes which msirk the pioneer times of Randolph
County. He was a Range]- u. "'i' 1
His son — Pkehton B. Brk - -located half .1 mile
north of Red Bud. and hec. m.o a rotspcctaMn farmer.
$f?» eons — John and "\Y:l:.;am — are i;ov<- citizens of
Red Bud, and ^\vn n large louring mill.
lbOO. — Outside of Kaflkuskia and Prairie du Rocher,
the two settlements to whiun reference 1ms been made
in the preceding paragraphs, included the entire popu-
lation of Randolph County, at the commencement of
the present century ; but" the way was now opened, and
new arrivals became more frequent. JS"ew settlements
were commenced, and additions made to those already
.established, more rapidly.
Among the first immigrants to the County, after the
-commencement of 1800, was Robert Reynolds, from
Tennessee, and formerly from Ireland. After remain-
ing in Kaskaskia a few months, he located in the set-
tlement of Huans and Pillars, on the east side of the
river. He became a leading man in the new settle-
ment, and was often elected to fill important offices in
the county. He remained in the county upwards of
twenty years, and then went to Madison county, where
he died. His oldest son, John Reynolds, became a dis-
tinguished man in early times — was elected a Judge of
the Supreme Court, a member of the Legislature, a
i member of Congress, Governor of the State, and is now
more intimately known by the people than any other
man in Illinois. He now lives in Belleville, at the age
OP RANDOLPH COUNTY. 79
of sixty-three years. His brother, Thomas Reynolds,
became a distinguished lawyer and judge.
1801. — In 1801, Joseph Heard arrived in Kaskaskia
and settled upon Garrison Hill. A few years after-
Avard he moved and opened a farm two and a half miles
north of Chester, on Grav: 1 "r-; 1 M»o f>a«:c ihat is
n v. owned by J. R. Holmes, aud euilivjite.l by J-»hn
vlaupick. Heard lived hoc for --me years, and im-
proved" 'hi* iV.rcr. and raised large crops. H^on Heard,
the oldest son of Joseph, seitlirl-«pon •> 'arm abou t two
miles north of his father, whkh is yet known as the
"Old Heard Farm/' It is now occupied by Henry
Bode. Heard occupied this farm for many years, and
then moved away to Wisconsin.
James Heard, the second son, located still farther
north, and made a farm, where he lived to be an old
man. Joseph, William, and James Heard, now living
in the same neighborhood, are the sons of James.
1801. — George Franklin came with Joseph Heard,
and made the farm on which Lemuel Barker now lives,
four miles east of Kaskaskia. Some years afterwards
he moved and settled one mile east of the present loca-
tion of Pinckneyville, in Perry County, on what is now
known as the " Old Baldridge Farm."
1802.— In 1802, the "Irish Settlement," near the
mouth of Plumb Creek, was founded. James Patter-
son, from Abbeville District, South Carolina, came vtiiK
his family, and, branching out beyond the limits of the
other settlement, made a permanent location at this
place, which took its name from|the fact that he and
subsequent settlers were from South Carolina — or what
is sometimes known as " South Carolina Irish."
James Patterson was a man of remarkable energy
and activity, and'always stood high in the community.
80 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
He often held the offices of Justice of the Peace and
County Commissioner. In the ranging servieo of 1812,
he bore an active part. He had four sons — John, Sam-
uel, Reuben, and James Harvey. John located in tho
samo settlement of his father, where he lived for many-
years, and afterwards moved to Hill Prairie, where he
died in 1837. Samuel settled in Horse Prairie ; Reuben
in Hitchcock Prairie, where he now lives. James H.
now lives upon the farm first made byhis.&tkc?. The
Patterson family. h^ TT c always occupied a prominent
position in tlie county, and are well and widely known.
1802. — John Fulton, from Tennessee, came in 1802,
and located in the same settlement. He was a valuable
addition to this community — always active, and fore-
most in whatever promised to promote the best inter.
ests of the public. His sons — Thomas, David, and
Cyrus — all located in the samo neighborhood, where
Thomas and Cyrus died. Davi"d lives in Marion
County.
1802. — William Roberts, fron* Lv-Aiiigton, Ken-
tucky, came in 1802, and settled on the east side of the
Kaskaskia river, in the neighborhood of Hughs. He
opened a farm, and in addition to this e mployment, he
traded down the river, and became well known along
the banks of the Mississippi, from Kaskaskia to New
Orleans. Having spent twenty years of an eventful
and useful life, amidst the pioneer scenes of Illinois, he
died in 1822.
1802. — Thomas Roberts, son of William, who had
nearly reached his majority at the time of coming to
Illinois, located upon a farm near his father. Ho
became a highly respected citizen as he advanced in age,
and was often promoted to positions of importance.
Ho held the office of Justice of the Peace for a long
Or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 81
term of years, and was County Commissioner at vari-
ous times. Towards the close of his life he became a
devoted Christian, and gave his time and means lib-
erally to the church. He died in 1858. His descen-
dants arc numerous. His sons were Thomas, Darius,
"William, John, Daniel Preston, Jacob, Wylet, Vol.
net, and Perry. All have families except Darius,
who died in early life.
1802. — Robert Tindall came from Chester County,
South Carolina, and settled on what is now known as
the Fleming Farm, situated some five miles northeast
of Chester. Here he commenced the erection of a
water-mill, on a small stream which flows past the
farm, but before it was completed the floods washed it
away. He then erected a horse-mill near his residence,
at whiMi the settlers around were supplied with their
breadstuff. The advantage of this mill was felt by all
the new comers, and it was a great inducement for
them to settle around it. Mr. Tindall was a valuable
pioneer in the settlement, and spent a life in some useful
•employment to himself and his neighbors.
He had four sons, two of whom are yet living —
Reuben and Robert. The former is a citizen of Chester,
and known as one of the oldest natives of Illinois.
Robert lives in the vicinity of Steelsville.
1802. — John and E^hraim Bilderback came to
Illinois in the year 18(?2, and located permanently.
Ephraim made a farm in She region of the settlement
on the east side of the Kask'.askia river, about one mile
north of Edgar's — now Riley's mill. JonN settled
upon a farm which adjoins, or 'forms a part of the one
now occupied by Armsted Jon t es. These two men
were intelligent, active, and industrious ; and by their
solid, substantial ability, they soon 'became the repre-
g2 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
soutativc men in tho little community of which they
formed a part.
1302. — John was in the ranging service, and dis-
played the same traits' of perseverance and bravery
there that characterized him in the retired but equals-
responsible sphere of life. He died, leaving no descen-
dants.
EniRAiM devoted himself to farming, almost con-
stantly, and displayed an industry that is worthy of
imitation, lie was the father of "William, Stuart,
James, Charles, Franklin, Henry, Ephraim, Thomas,
and John, each of whom became respectable citizens of
tho county. "William located a short distance below
the site of Liberty, near the dividing line between
Randolph and Jackson counties, where he lived for
many years. Stuart remained on his father's farm a
few years, then moved away to "Wisconsin. Charles
settled near to his brother William, and died there in
1849. Franklin lived at the old place. Ephraim went
to Perry County, and remained a few years, but re-
turned and made a farm on Mary's river, and remained
until his death. Thomas lived at his father's until his
death. John settled in Lively Prairie, where he died.
James is still living upon a farm about four miles north
of Chester. There are many of the descendants of
these men now living in the county.
1800. — Benjamin Crane, with seven sons — Benja-
min, Squire, "William, James, Joel, Lewis, and John
— came to Illinois about 1802, or probably two years
earlier, and settled on Mary's river, about four miles
above the mouth. These were men of decided charac-
ter, and soon became known in all the other settle-
ments. Their traits of character were well adapted to
a pioneer country, and their influence in advancing the
OF RANDOLPH COUNT*. 83
new region in which they h;ul decided to live, was suc-
cessfully exerted. They were the leading men in
settling the country around the mouth of Mary's river,
and the Island opposite, which bears the name of
Crane's Island. John lived upon this Island for many
years, and died there in 1850. Joel died the same
year. The other brothers, except Lewis, who now
lives in California, died several years previous. James
Harvey and Nelson*R. Crane, residents of Chester,
are sons of John Crane.
1802. — PAul Haiielston settled on the west side of
the Kaskaskia river, in 1802, near the mouth of Camp's
Greek. He became a very prominent man in' those
early days, and held the office of Sheriff for a short
time. Xo other information conld be obtained about
him.
Abu ah Leavitt was a soldier in Col. Pike's division,
which came to Fort Gage in 1803. He obtained a dis«
charge from the army, and made a farm one mile back
of Garrison Hill. He lived upon this farm until a few
years ago, when he died. A quiet, industrious citizen,
he enjoyed the esteem of his neighbors. The place
where he lived is now occupied by his son.
1803. — Robert Huggins, from South Carolina, settled
in the Irish Settlement, in 1803. He lived there some
years, and then moved into the Oppossumden Prairie.
James Huggins, son of Robert, settled in Flat Prairie
about the year 1817, and made the farm which is bow
known as the " Arche McDill place." It was the fil*t
farm in that Prairie. Thfe descendants of Hugqinb are
now living in Perry County.
1804. — John Lacy came to Illinois from South Caro-
lina in 1804, and settled upon the farm which has been
known in later years as the " Major Adair place." He
84 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
lived here some years, until his death. Major Adair
married the widow Lacy. John Lacy, now living upon
the same place, is a son of the pioneer.
1804. — In 1804, a numerous and valuable addition
was made to the Irish Settlement at the mouth of Plumb
Creek. John McClinton, David and James Ander-
son, and Adam Hill, from Abbeville, South Carolina,
with their families, numbering in the aggregate thirty-
one members — nine of whom are yet living — arrived
in this settlement, on the 25th day of December of that
year. This company infused into the little settlement
a life and activity hitherto unknown.
John McClinton's wife died a few weeks after they
arrived, and he died about one year alter her death,
leaving three bohs — John, Samuel, and Willam — who
were placed under the guardianship of the Hills and
Anderson. John and William both died many years
ago. Samuel located finally near Sparta, where he
lived for many years, and became widely known as an
active, respectable citizen. He died four or five years
ago, leaving a large family.
1804. — David Anderson, who afterwards obtained
the title of Colonel, was a leading and popular man in
the community from the time of his arrival. He was
a strong, athletic man, very benevolent and kind in his
disposition, and a firm friend of the church. His merit
became known beyond the limits of his own neighbor-
hood, and he was often called upon to fill stations of
official trust. As Colonel of the militia he was a favo-
rite, and displayed an ability creditable to himself and
the high position he filled. His sons all died while
young. His oldest daughter married Uobert G. Shan-
non.
18C4. — Jamkh An deb SON lived but a few years alter
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 8&
coming to Illinois. He was noted for his retired, unas-
suming disposition, and kindness of heart, lie left
five sons — James, John, William, Thomas and David,
all of whom became respectable citizens of the county.
William and David are dead; the other three are still
living. Thomas is a prominent member of the church.
1804. — Adam Hill settled on the farm .now occupied
by Mrs. Kelly, near Evansville. Here he lived in the
quiet pursuit of farming until his death. His sons,
Joein, William, Adam, Robert and Samuel became
well known citizens of the county. William is now
living rn Marion county. John, Adam and Robert are
dead. Samuel is living near the old place of his father,
a kind, sociable citizen.
1804. — The Irish Settlement was increased by another
party of emigrants from Abbeville, South Carolina,
during the same year, or in the commencement of the
year following. Absalom Cox, James and Archibald
Thompson, William McBride and Robert McDonald,
were the leaders of this party.
Absalom Cox was elected in later years a Captain
of a militia company. He was an important member
of the community, and lived a useful life. He estab-
lished a ferry across the Kaskaskia river, which is
known to this day as "('ox's Ferry." He died on the
farm where he settled, leaving four sons: — John, Wil-
liam, Thomas and Absalom.
John is now an old man living upon his father's farm.
William lives adjoining the same place. Thomas and
Absalom arc dead.
1804. — James Thompson located upon a farm in this
settlement, and lived the life of an industrious, respect-
able citizen. He was a man of patriotic feelings, and
his country never called for his services without a
8
86 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
ready response. His sons were Robert and Archi-
bald ; the latter died in youth.
Robert lived on Plumb Creek, where he died in 1830.
His sons were James B., John B., Andrew and Robert.
The former two are living in the settlement of their
father ;tnd grandfather; the latter two are dead.
1804 — Archibald Thompson was a man of excellent
character, and a very efficient member of the com-
munity. He lived some years in the settlement where
he first located, and then moved, in the year 1812, to a
place two miles south of the present town of Evans-
villo. Reaching an advanced age, he died in 1833.
His sons were ROBERT, WlLLIAM, Moses, Archibald,
John and James. Robert lived upon the farm, made
by his father until he grew to be an old man, and died
only a few weeks since. William settled two and a
half miles south of Preston, where lie still resides.
Moses settled about 1816 on the farm now occupied by
John M. Thompson.
lie afterward- moved to St. Clair County, and died
there in 1840. AltCHlBALD went to Hitchcock Prairie
in 1822, and lived there until his death, in 1856. His
descendants are living in the same neighborhood.
John Thompson became a prominent man in the county.
He was once County Commissioner. In 1836 he was
I a member of the Legislature, and died during
the session of that body. James Thomtson, the young-
est of the brothers, lived upon his father's farm until
he died, in 1835.
1804. — William MoBride was a valuable constituent
of the Irish Settlement. He labored much, and lived
in a manner which rendered him a favorite in the com-
munity. He was somewhat advanced, in age when he
came, but he endured the privations of pioneer life very
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.
87
well. He died in 1818. His sons, Thomas — who had a
family when they came, John and William, settled
around their father, and were industrious, highly es-
teemed citizens. They are all dead now. Thomas left
two sons — William and John. The former lives in
Washington County; the -latter on the old place.
William McBiude was Captain of a militia company
in 1813, and once held the office of County Commis-
sioner. Mrs. Wilson, now living in Chester, is the only
surviving one of John McBride's family.
1804. — Borert McDonouoh remained in the settle-
ment until his death. His family then moved away,
and none of his descendants are now in the county.
1804. — In the same year — 1804 — Samuel Cochran
located upon the land which is now known as the
"Haskin farm." He was far out from the settlement
at that time, and lived somewhat secluded, yet he was
very sociable, and fond of company. He was an
influential and popular man, and held several impor-
tant offices. He died in Jackson County, in 1824. His
sons were John, William, George, Alexander and
Elisha. John improved a farm near the Bilderbacks,.
and lived upon it until his death. William settled,
lived and died upon the farm on which Joseph Hardin
now resides, one mile northwest of Chester. Mrs.
VanZa\i\ now living in Chester at an advanced age, is
the daughter of Samuel Cochran. George moved
to Jackson County, and there became a very prominent
man. The other brothers also went to Jackson County.
They were noted for their exploits in hunting.
180-1. — About this time a man by the name of Ems-
ley Jones settled in the region of Liberty. Another
man named Reed had settled in the same neighborhood.
Jones and Reed got into a quarrel, which finally re-
88 HISTORICAL SKETCH E8
8ulteo*in Jones killing Reed, for which crime he was
hung, in Kaskaskia. This was the first execution upon
the gallows in Randolph County. A short time after-
wards, an Indian was hung for murdering a white man.
These are the only two instances where capital punish-
ment has been resorted to within the limits of the
county since it had an existence, and it is earnestly
hoped that such a proceeding will never again blacken
her fair fame. If, however, the necessity should occur,
her courts must yield obedience to the requirements o£
imperative laws.
1805. — Alexander Barber came in 1805 from Ohio.
He first settled near the Bilderbacks, on the east side
of the Kaskaskia river. Being a man of strong native
intellect, a clear judgment, and robust constitution, he
took a leading position among the other stalwart char-
acters of the settlement in which he located. His
employment was farming, but, as the settlements in-
creased, he was engaged in building mills. Skilled in
this branch of business, and possessing great energy,
he was a very useful man in the new country, and did
much for its advancement. About the year 1825, ho
located on the farm where he now resales, two miles
north of Liberty, Here he erected a mill; and he has
been engaged with mills nearly ever since. The name
of Barber suggests the idea of a mill. More than
forty years ago he was elected a Justice of the Peace —
a position for which Nature seems to have designed
him — and he still holds the office, having filled it during
all that time without intermission. There is probably
no man in Illinois who lias held that office 80 long, and
probably no man that ever filled the office whose official
acts have given such general satisfaction. A few
months more and he will have attained his fourscore
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 89
years, yet he retains his intellectual faculties in their
vigor and brightness. He has fifty-four years of the
history of this county fresh in his memory. He be-
longs to a generation past, but lives yet as a noble
specimen of his compeers.
Alexander Clark was another of those who came
in 1805. He located three miles south of the present
town of Evansville. How long he remained, or what
position he occupied, could not be learned.
1805. — Joseph Lively came, in 1805, from Abbeville,
South Carolina, and settled the Seymour farm, three
miles north of Kaskaskia. He lived upon the farm until
j.323, when he moved and settled in the lower end of
Oppossumden Prairie. He moved the next year and
settled upon the place where Judge John Campbell
resides. He was active, industrious, and benevolent.
He died in 1833. His sons were Amos, Shadrack,
Enoch, Richard, James, and Reuben, who have be-
come well known to the people of the county, and
from whom a numerous descendancy has sprung.
They were farmers, generally, and good neighbors.
Some of them are yet living, though old men.
1805. — John Lively a brother of Joseph, who came
at the same time, settled in the Prairie northeast of
the Irish Settlement, from which circumstance the
prairie has been called " Lively Prairie." He was the
pioneer of that part of the county, and sustained his posi-
tion in a manner which excites sentiments of pride in his
descendants. He lived in this prairie during his life,
which closed in 1826. Reuben Lively, who lives near
Athens, in St. Clair County, is the oldest son of John
Lively. His other sons were James, Turner, William
and Hugh P. — the latter was accidentally killed by the
falling of a tree. Turner and William are residents of
*8
90 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
the prairie where their father lived. James is dead.
1806. — In the year 1806, George Wilson and Samuel
Crozier, from Abbeville, South Carolina, arrived in the
county. George Wilson settled on- Plumb Creek
near the forks. From there he went to the mouth of
Dozar Creek, and remained until 1812, when he moved
into the Fort. He lived in the Fort for some years after
the settlers had returned to their homes. In 1827 he
moved into Hitchcock Prairie, and lived there until hia
death in 1857. ! Mr. Wilson was a man in whom were
blended all those noble traits of character which dis-
tinguished the early pioneers — high-minded, generous,
brave. Through his long life he maintained a high
position among his neighbors, and though he had
reached the age of seventy -five when he died, his death
was a loss felt by the community. His sons are John
A., George, William L., James and Andrew. John A.
Wilson has filled the office of Sheriff of the county, and
is now the Mayor of the city of Sparta. George lives
upon the old place of his father. William L. is a
citizen of Chester. James lives near the old place in
the prairie.
1806. — Samuel CrOzier opened a farm on Nino Mile
Creek, two miles south of the location of Evansville.
Ho. was a man of high intellectual abilities, sociable
and benevolent, lie rose to position and influence
without an effort. In 1827 he was chosen a member of
the Legislature. He died in 1831. His sons were
John, James, Andrew, Archibald and Samuel B.
John Crozier settled upon the site of Red Bud in
Horse Prairie, in 1824. He was the father of Samuel
Crozier who was one of the founders, and a highly
esteemed citizen of Red Bud, and who died a few weeks
ago; also James, who is* still living in that town, and
OP RANDOLPH COUNTY. 91
Thomas. The brothers of John Crozier became citi-
zens of the county, and lived in it until they died. The
Crozier family has always sustained a very respectable
position in the community.
Mr. Mansker, father of Samuel Mansker, made a
settlement on Liberty Island, in 1806, but the farm he
made washed away in a few years, and he removed.
Samuel Mansker settled upon the farm where he now
lives in the same year that his father located upon the
Island. He has been a sturdy, persevering and respect-
able citizen.
1807. — John Campbell, from Abbeville, South Caro-
lina, settled near the mouth of Nine Mile Creek, in 1807.
He lived upon that place until 1820, when he moved to
a place four miles east of Evansville, and died there in
1827. His life was that of an unassuming, retired and
respectable citizen. His sons, John, Samuel, Archi-
bald and James all settled in the neighborhood of their
father.
1807. — During the year 1807, John Taqgart, from
South Carolina, came to the county. He remained for
some time about Kaskaskia, finally joined the ranging
service, and after receiving his discharge he settled
upon the farm where he now resides, about nine miles
north of Chester. Amos Taggart, who lives on the
Chester and Sparta road, is a son of John.
1807. — Daniel Taggart, brother of John, came from
South Carolina at the same time. He .was also in the
ranging service, and after the company was disbanded
he located upon a farm near his brother. His sons are
John, William, Amos and Daniel, all of whom are liv-
ing in the neighborhood of their father.
1807. — John Steele, from Tennessee, came to the
county in 1807. Possessing a remarkable degree of
92 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
self-reliance and < courage, he passed bejond the limits
of the settlements already made, and located near
liJiere Steelesville now stands. Here he formed the
nucleus of a settlement, which increased rapidly. Dur-
i«£ his long life he displayed the same energy in every
undertaking as he had done in establishing this settle-
ment. He was a man of sterling worth — a noble speci-
men of the pioneers. His sons were George, Archi-
bald, James, John, and Thomas, from whom the
numerous family bearing their namo, living around
Steelesville, have descended. George Steele was the
founder of Georgetown, since called Steelesville, and
the proprietor of Steele's Mills, a point widely known
in early times. He was a man of enterprising energy,
and a very useful citizen. He was the father of James
and Thomas Steele.
Archibald Steele, the second son ot the pioneer,
opened' a -farm one-half mile southwest of Steelesville,
and lived there until his death, a few months ago. In-
heriting the characteristics of his father, he was a lead-
ing, influential member of the community in which he
lived. He was the father of Anthony, Jefferson,
Eilen, Merrit, Jasper, and Lindsay. Anthony now
holds the office of Sheriff.
James Steele remained a citizen of the county until
1849, when he moved away to Iowa. John and
Thomas are living near Steelesville.
1808. — In tliis year, one of the most remarkabio
pioneers that figured in the county, came and settled
about three miles south of Steelesville. That man was
Jacob Bowerman. Decision of character was a lead-
ing trait, and shone out in all his operations. He was
a representative man, and filled the position of a leader
with marked abdity. His ingenuity was unbounded.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 93
He was master of almost every trade, and from the
fertility of his genius he, could manufacture guns,
though he never served an apprenticeship to the trade.
Asa marksman, with the rifle he had no superior. He
lived on the farm where he first settled only a short
time, then opened the farm on which Archibald
Steele lived during life, and afterwards settled upon
the farm, on the western side of Stcelcsville, which is
known as the " old Bowerman place." He had four
sons — Jonathan, Jesse, Michael, and William —
three of whom are yet living — Jesse being dead.
Jonathan resides in Jackson county; Michael lives
three miles south of Steelcsville; and William lives
three miles north of the same place.
1808. — In this year, another addition was made to
the Irish Settlement. Robert Foster and John An-
derson arrived from South Carolina, Abbeville Dis-
trict, having made that long journey on horseback.
Foster first located near the settlement of Miller and
McCormack, where James and George McCormack
now live. He afterwards moved on to Plumb Creek,
and erected a steam distillery and a horse-mill. With
this appendage to the settlement, inducements were
offered to immigrants which brought many to it. Fos-
ter's mill was the center of attraction — the place for
all public gatherings, musters, &c. Mr. Foster, as,his
works indicate, was a man for the times — enterprising,
determined, and accommodating. Possessing a practi-
cal judgment, his efforts were directed to such projects
as promised to advance the public interests. He wae
sometimes called to fill official stations, which he did
with high satisfaction. He was a devoted friend of the
church, and a Christian in the fullest sense of the term.
He died in 1831. His sons were Samuel, John, James
94 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
A., William, and Damp. Samuel died in Sparta,
some years ago. John died before Samuel. James A.
Foster was one of the founders of Sparta, and he has
been a successful merchant of that place for many
years. David and William Foster reside near
Sparta.
1808. — John Anderson settled near tbe farm of his
brother, "Col. Anderson, and there lived until bis death.
He was a faithful friend of the church, and tilled tbc
office of ruling elder from the time tbe church was or-
ganized until bis death, in which position he acted well
his part. He held the offiec of Justice of the Peace for
a great number of years.
1808. — A Mr. Henderson, from South Carolina, came
in 1808, and settled upon tbe farm now occupied by
James Walsh, on the western side of the Kaskaskia
river, at Evansville.
1808. — John Clendenin, from Green county, Ken-
tucky, came to Illinois in 1808, and settled upon tho
farm which for a long time was known by the name of
the "Porter place," now an addition to ('bestir. He
was a revolutionary soldier, and an excellent represent'
ativeoftbat class of brave, patriotic men. It is related
pf him, that once while guarding some prisoners, a lady
came and asked of him permission to see her brother,
who was a prisoner. Too gallant to refuse tbe lady tho
privilege of seeing her brother, and confiding in her
integrity, be divested himself of bis uniform and
loaned it to her. She put it on, made the visit to her
brother, and returned it to him according to her prom-
ise. Tbis incident is a mirror which reflects tho noble-
character of tbe man. His life among tbe pioneers
was that of a high-minded, honorable, industrious citi-
zen — and to which his descendants may revert with
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 96
sentiments of pride. James, Henry, John, and Harvey
Clendenin, who have filled so large a spaco in the his-
tory of Randolph County, wore his sons; all of whom
were approaching manhood when they arrived in Illi-
nois. James Clendenin opened the farm where Har-
vey Lemons now lives, and afterwards moved to the
neighborhood of Liberty, where he died, in 1851. He
was the father of Simpson and John H. Clendenin.
Henry Clendenin died in early life, leaving no
family.
John Clendenin is yet living, having spent fifty-one
years of bis life amidst the scenes and events of Ran-
dolph County. lie is the father of James Harvey,
and Henry Simpson Clendenin.
Harvey Clendenin became a prominent man in the
county, and filled the Office of County Commissioner,
in which position he distinguished himself as a man oft
sound judgment and clear discrimination. Ho was the
father of ESphbaim R., John C, Samuel, Harvey ; and
Henry Clendenin, who have become well known citiv
zens of tho county.
1808. — Richard Robbison came from South Carolina,
in 1808, and first settled in the Bildorback Settlement,
but aftewards ho moved into the region of the Steele
Settlement. Horo he lived and raised a large family.
His sons are John, Joseph, Richard, James, Shadraok,
William, Thomas, and Jefferson, from whom the
numerous family of that name now living in tho county
have descended.
1808. — Andrew McCormack settled in the Bilder.*
back settlement in the year 1808. His sons, James
and George, live in tho same neighborhood where their,
father located.
1808.— John Miller settled in the same neighbor-
hood about the same time.
98 HISTORICAL SKETCHE8
1808. — James White came from South Carolina in
1808, and settled on the hills one-half mile north of the
road from Chester to Stcelesville, where the road
Crosses Mary's river.
1808. — Augustus Davis first settled, in 18d8, near
Kaskaskia, and afterwards moved to the Steele Settle-
ment. Some of his descendants are still living in the
county.
1808. — William Barnett came from Kentucky, and
located in the Irish Settlement. He was a man of in-
dustrious habits, retired disposition, yet hold and firm
•when necessity required it. He died in 1X18. His sons
were John and William Barnett. John lived upon his
father's farm, and reared a large family. William M.,
Alexander C, Samuel, Corrydon and John Barnett
were his sons. Corrydon is the only one now living.
William, the second son of the pioneer, was drowned.
He was out in the campaign against the Indians in
1813, and when returning home, having reached Plumb
creek, only two miles distant from his father's house, he
was drowned.
1809. — John Bkatte was added to the Irish Settle-
ment in 1809. He was from Abbeville, South Carolina,
and became a valuable citizen in the community. Ho
was retired and very quiet, yet a man of much force
and decision of character. John, Andrew and Charles
BEATTEwere his sons. John and Andrew died several
years ago, leaving large families. Charles is still liv-
ing.
1809. — Chest-ey Allen, from Virginia, settled in
Horse Prairie, in 1809, and formed the nucleus for a
settlement in that region of the county. He was a man
possessing all the qualifications of a pioneer leader, and
left a memory revered and esteemed by his neighbors.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 97
His sons were James, John, Albert, William and
Miner, who became highly respected citizens of that
prairie. John W. Allen, now a citizen of Ked Bud, is
the son of James Allen; and James R. Allen, a mer-
chant of the same place; is'the son of John Allen.
1809. — Raleigh Ralls, settled in Horse Prairie about
the same time of Allen. He came from Virginia, and
brought with him the characteristics of a Virginia gen-
tleman. Edward and John Ralls who became promi-
nent citizens of that prairie were his sons. John was
known a* a pioneer preacher, and he filled the duties of
that sacred office until his death, in 1857. James M.
Ralls, who is Clerk of the Circuit Court, is a son of
Rev. John Ralls.
1809. — Edward Faherty located on the southern
border of Horse Prairie in 1809, and lived there, a
highly respected citizen, until his death. Patrick and
John Faherty, now living in the prairie, are his sons.
1809. — This year came Ezra Owens and Thomas J.
V., his son, who settled in the Dr. Fisher neighborhood.
Owens became a prominent man. Ho was chosen
Major of the militia, and filled the office with credita-
ble ability. His son Thomas J. V. Owens filled the
office of Sheriff at one time, and was a member of the
Legislature.
During the period of ten years, from 1800, through
which the arrival of the settlers have been faithfully
chronicled, according to the best available data, no
event occurred of special moment. From this time,
however, commenced the Indian troubles which con-
tinued until after the close of the war of 1812. Fortu-
nately, howevor, for the infant settlements of this
county, they were free from those midnight butcheries
which were visited upon the settlements in other por-
9
9^ HISTOHICAL SKETCHES
tions of the surrounding country. In Washington
County the family of John Lively — a relative of those
of that name who had settled in this county — foil vic-
tims to savage barbarity. One afternoon, when all the
family but two were gathered within the cabin, the
Indians came, brutally murdered every one in the house,
and then set fire to it, and consumed the freshly made
corpses with the timbers of the building. As no one
present was left to tell the particulars of this horrible
tragedy, they have never beon known. A son of Mr.
Lively — William — who was then a small boy, was
out at the time of the murder, hunting horses. On re-
turning he discovered the flames and smoke rising from
his father's cabin, and fearing lest the sad reality was
true, he went away to a neighbor's house and gave the
information -of what he had seen. They went and found
only the crisped and charred forms of their friends
smouldering in the ashes of the cabin. William and
Jane, a little girl, who happened to bo visiting some of
her little friends in the neighborhood, escaped the ter-
rible fate of their parents, and brothers and sisters, and
are yet living. William is one of the oldest citizens
in Washington County. Jane married William Cau-
dle, of this county and is the mother of a large family,
and still living at an extreme old age.
From 1810, until after the close of the war of 1812,
there was but little emigration to the county, and but
little advancement of any kind. There was but one
arrival in 1811 — that of Michael Harmon, an emi-
grant from Tennessee. He explored the country around
Kaskaskia, and decided to settle in the region now
known as the "Harmon Settlement." He returned to
Tennessee and brought out his family. In the ensuing
fall he died, leaving his seven sons t<> maintain the
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 99
ground he had claimed, for cultivation. They all net-
tled around the place where their father died, and gave
to the region an importance which attracted attention
at the time, and which is well known over the county
yet. Five of the sons of the pioneer are yet living —
Joseph, Abraham, George, John, and James — and
around them live their children and grandchildren.
This is probably the most densely populated of any
settlement now in the county. Twenty-two years ago,
a Methodist society was organized in the settlement, by
Rev, Lopez, and has been an institution ever since,
under the supervision of the Southern Illinois Confer-
ence. In 1855, a church edifice was completed and
christened " Palestine Church."
With Harmon's family came John Youno, who
located upon the farm now occupied by Mr. Hargus, in
the region of Ellis' Grove. Stephen Young, living in
the same neighborhood, is a son of John Young.
1812. — In 1812, William Nelson, (an Irishman by
birth,) from Abbeville, South Carolina, settled on
Horse Creek. He was a man of enterprising habits,
and erected a distillery, which gave to his place an
attractive importance. He became a prominent man,
and held the office of County Commissioner, and was
Justice of the Peace for a long term of years. He
died in 184-4, upwards of seventy years of age. He
had four sons — John G., Isaac, William, Eobert, and
Wilson — all of whom (except the last one,) became
citizens of the county. John G. Nelson was often
elected Justice of the Peace, and at one time was elected
County Commissioner. He died in 1852. Isaac H.
Nelson, Clerk of the County Court, is a son of John
G. Nelson. Isaac is still living upon the old place of
his father, having filled the office of Justice of the
100 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
Peace for many years. William and Robert settled,
lived, and died close by the farm where their father
settled.
1812. — Hugh Leslie came from Abbeville, South
Carolina, with Nelson; Samuel, and Matthew Leslie,
living in Hill Prairie, are his sons.
During the year 1812, the hostility of the Indians
rendered it necessary for all the settlements to seek
protection in the Forts. A block house, or fort, was
erected in some central position in all the principal set-
tlements. One was orected in the Irish Settlement, of
convenient size to accommodate all the settlers. An-
other one was erected in Dr. Fisher's neighborhood;
another at Georgetown; another at Jacob Bowerman's.
The settlers on the east side of the Kaskaskia river took
refuge in Fort Gage. The people abandoned their pri
vate houses, and quartered in these forts, living as one
family, adopting for tho time being something of a com-
munity system. The men pursued their ordinary busi-
ness, but never left the forts without their guns. They
were sometimes attacked while in the field at work,
but no instance of a murder has been found.
1814. — James and Samuel Thomson, from Abbeville,
South Carolina, arrived at Kaskaskia in 1814. They
were both young men. James taught school in Kas-
kaskia three years, then located upon the farm where
he now resides. He was skilled in surveying, and was
employed for twenty years in the United States Sur-
veying Service, and has in late years filled the office of
County Surveyor, several terms; and he is now the
chief deputy in that office, with its full control and
management. He commanded a company of militia in
the Black Hawk war. Under Governor Reynold's
administration ho was appointed Judge of the Probate
'OF- RANDOLPH COUNTY. 101
Court, in which position he continued during seventeen
successive years. In all these stations he discharged
his duties in a manner that won universal satisfaction.
His profession is that of a surveyor.; and whenever the
name of James Thompson is mentioned, the idea of
surveying is suggested. His foot has probably made
its impress upon every section of land in Randolph
county. John P. Thompson, who died in 1851, while
holding the office of Sheriff, was the oldest son of
James Thompson.
Samuel Thompson, brother of James, was also a
Surveyor, and often held that office in the county. He,
too, was employed in the United States Surveying Ser-.
vice for many years. He died about the year 1848,
leaving a large and respectable family.
1814. — "William and John Allen, from Georgia to
Ohio, from whence they came to Illinois, in 1814, settled
adjoining the Irish Settlement. They were upright,
honorable men, and highly esteemed by the community-
William died at North's Ferry, on the Kaskaskia river,
about the year 1840. John died five years later.
Aaron M. Allen, a prominent merchant of Sparta, is
the son of John Allen.
1815. — Alexander Gaston, from Kentucky, settled
upon the John McFarland place in 1815. Ho was
succeeded by his son, Alexander, who lived and died
upon the same place.
1816. — Andrew Barders came to the Irish Settle-
ment in 1816. He was then a young man, full of hope
and vigor. He lived for a time with Robert Foster,
and attended his distillery. Afterwards' he located
upon the farm where he now lives. Possessing a
strong, robust constitution, a vigorous mind, and clear
judgment, he has been the leader of his neighborhood;
*9
102 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
and by his industry, economy and. cautiousness in tra-
ding, he has become very wealthy.
1816. — Thomas Mudd, from Kentucky, came in
1816, with seven sons — Jamks, Francis. Edward,
Joseph, Piielix, John, and Willtam — all of whom
settled on the high lands in the prairie hack of Prairie
du Pioeher.. This family has always occupied a very
respectable position in this county. Three of the seven
brothers are yet living — Edward, (who lives in Iowa,)
Francis and John live where they settled forty-two
years ago. William Mudd, who is an Associate Jus-
tice of the County Court, is a son of James Mudd.
The family has heroine very numerous.
Isiij. — Samuel Crawford, from Tennessee, came in
1816. His residence was transient until 1819, when he
settled in the lower end of Oppossumden Prairie. He
became a popular man, and was often promoted to
official stations. He held the office of Justice of the
Peace, was Receiver of Public Monies in the Land
Office, at Kaskaskia, and served one sossiqn in the Leg r
islature. His sons were James H., Hugh M., William,
tJrACE, and John. James lives in Galena. Hugh in
Oamptown, and William in Florence ; Stace and
John both died in California. Hugh and William
have held the office of Justice of the Peace.
1816. — William Fowler came from South Carolina,
and made the farm on which Abram Harmon, Sr., now
livos. Ho was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and
a zeniouw patriot. When he died, in 1846, his death was
deeply regretted by those who had an opportunity of*
■MRVjihtihg Ms worth. He had three son>, only two
tit whom came t i this county — James and Washing-
.! \vr>s live 1 ii ar his father some years, nnd then
■n >» '1 to lV:--; ' mntv. TTis tw<> sons, Wit.t.iam and
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 103
John, became citizens of this county, and died here —
the former in 1856, the latter in 1850. "Washington
lived and died in the neighborhood whore his father
settled. His children live around the old place.
1816. — John Layne came from Tennessee, and settled
near Georgetown, where he died. Elisha Layne, now
living in Chester, is the only son of John Layne now
in the county.
1816. — James Slater settled near the residence of
Hughs in this year, and lived there until his death.
Joseph Slater, living in the same neighborhood, is the
only son now remaining in the county.
1816. — In this year, Cornelius Adkins made a set-
tlement in the lower end of Short's Prairie. He re-
mained there many years.
1816. — Benjamin Brown settled in the Bradley neigh-
borhood. How long he remained here, or whether his
descendants are in the county, could not be ascertained.
1816. — In the same year, Emanuel Canady came
from Tennessee, mid settled near the Steeles. He
afterwards moved to the Bradley settlement, where he
still resides. Though he has passed through the priva-
tions of pioneer Life, and reached an old age, he is still
strong and active.
1817.— In 1817, "the Bradley family settled in the
region of Shiloh, and opened the way for the settle-
ment of that part of the county. Each member of
this family was a tower of strength within himself.
In all those enterprises, whether civil or military,
which interested the public, the name of Bradley was
conspicuous. J amks, Franklin? William and Biciiard
Bradley arc now the representatives of the family, an<4
arc old men. Their descendants are naiso-'o is.
1817 — 'txrO'' r.lvv-j n.vn ? i > th? cnnt.y ir*\l317,
104 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
and opened a farm near the Irish Settlement, where he
lived until his death. Such was his character that his
descendants, who have risen to high positions, may
regard him with feelings of pleasure. His sons are
John, William, Eobert, and Alexander. John came
to the county some years after his father, and lives five
miles northwest of Chester. He once held the office
of Judge of County Commissioner's Court, from which
fact the appellation of " Judge" has been given him,
and by that title he is well known. He is the father of
a large .and respectable family. William Mann still
lives near the place where his father settled, and has
his children around hiin, who are active members in
the community. Eobert Mann has filled several im-
portant offices — was an officer in a company of militia
that went out in the Black Hawk campaign, once
represented the county in the Legislature, and filled
the office of School Commissioner. Alexander Mann
lives upon the old place made by his father.
1817. — Colonel Gabriel Jones, from Adair County,
Kentucky, came in the year 1817, and settled on the
farm one mile west of Steelesville, which is widely
known as the " old Col. Jones place." His talents,
energy, activity, and high sense of honor, placed him
forward as a leader, and he became a prominent actor
in all the public matters of those times. In the Black
Hawk war he was promoted to the position of Colonel,
and he distinguished himself as an able officer and gal-
lant soldier. He has represented the county in the
General Assembly, and filled other offices of responsible
trust. He is now the Mayor of the city of Chester,
and holds the office of Justice of the Peace. Though
he has reached the sere of life, he is yet active and vig-
orous.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 105
1817. — Ignatius Sprigg, an emigrant, from Maryland,
settled in the American Bottom, between Kaskaskia
and Prairie du Rocher, on the Rector farm, in 1817.
He was another of the sound, practical, honorable
minded pioneers, and the people often testified their
appreciation of his worth by electing him to positions
of responsible trust — first to the office of County
Treasurer, and next to that of Sheriff, which he held
during a period of ten years. He is now a citizen of
Arkansas, engaged in the United States Surveying Ser-
vice.
1817. — James and Henry O'Hara came to the
county in this year, and settled in the region where
James now lives. Both of these men have occupied
positions of official trust, and stand high in the estima-
tion of the people. They are both still living, having
attained an old age. The settlement where they live
has taken their name, and assumed a position of note
and importance. St. Patrick's Church was organized
in this settlement some years ago, and in 1853, a church
building was erected under the supervision of Father
Hane. Father Gifford, a very old man, is now the
officiating priest.
1817. — Curtis Coon came to Kaskaskia about the
year 1817. He was a native of Boston, Massachusetts,
and had spent several years in the West Indies engaged
in heavy commercial transactions. After remaining a
year in Kaskaskia he purchased and settled upon the
Haskin farm two miles southwest of Chester. His
talents were of a high order, and he possessed an
energy and business qualifications which peculiarly
fitted him for public office. He filled the office of Judge
of the Probate Court for a term of years, and his offi-
cial acts in that Court were usually regarded with high
10t> HISTORICAL SKETCHES
satisfaction. In every station where he presided he
was a model.
1817. — Daniel Alexander, from' Maine, came to the
county in 1817. For a time he worked at the mouth
of Okaw; then purchased a farm in the Hughs settle-
ment, which he afterwards sold to Charles Stratton.
Some years ago he went to Texas, and was murdered
there.
1817. — James McFarlanp came from South Caro-
lina and settled on the west fork of Mary's river, near
the Kaskaskia road, and lived there until his death.
Andrew McFarland, who lives in the same neighbor-
hood, is the only surviving son of James McFarland.
1817. — Samuel Nisbet from South Carolina, made a
settlement one mile east of Eden, in 1817. He w T as an
industrious, honorable man, and a firm friend of the
church. But few men ever possessed the faculties of en-
during the privations of a pioneer country more than
he. He is still living.
1817. — William Morris, from Ohio, settled in the
Oppossumden Prairie in 1817. His son lives upon the
same place.
1817. — In this year, or shortly afterwards, Gwin,
Barrows, Houseman and some others, settled in the
Bradly Settlement. They were valuable additions to
that community, and men of high character. Their
descendants are numerous and respectable.
1817. — Henry Will settled upon the point of the
bluff above Kaskaskia in 1817. His character was
that of an industrious farmer and good neighbor. His
son, Daniel Will, now lives upon the same place.
Around this point an important settlement was formed,
and a church organization was made several years
ago.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 107
1818. — Joseph and Thomas Orr, from Virginia, set-
tled in the O'Hara neighborhood in 1818. Joseph
was chosen Major of a militia regiment, which post he
tilled with creditable ability. He was an early citizen
of Sparta, and died in that place in 1850. Thomas
moved to Pike County in 1829.
1818. — Benedict Harrel was added to the O'Hara
Settlement in 1818; Cornelius and Thomas Harrel
now living in the same neighborhood are hts sons.
1818. — John Brewer, another emigrant from Ken-
tucky, came to the O'Hara Settlement in 1818. He
brought with him six sons — Thomas, Felix, Vincent,
George, Pius, and John, all of whom became impor-
tant constituents of the community. John once filled
the office of County Commissioner, and is now a Justice
of the Peace.
1818. — The Hull family arrived in the O'Hara set-
tlement in 1818. They were from Kentucky — four
brothers — Norton, Samuel, Lewis, and Thomas. Nor-
ton Hull was a conspicuous man, having conferred
upon him the office of Captain of a militia company.
He and his brother Samuel died where they located.
Thomas and Lewis died in Pike County.
1818. — In this year, Kev. Silas Crisler, from Boone
County, Kentucky, arrived in Illinois, and made a farm
six miles east of Kaskaskia, not far from the Harmon
Settlement. Possessing strong natural faculties, a
large amount of kindness and generosity, and some
eccentricity, he became widely known, and highly
esteemed. Much of his time was devoted to his sacred
calling. Gravel Creek Church, of which he was the
founder and pastor for many years, was among the first
Baptist churches in Illinois. He died in 1851. His
three sons — Abel, Leonard and John are all living,
108 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
tiaving been highly respected citizens of the county dur-
ing life.
1818. — Amasa Aldrich, a native of Worcester Coun-
ty, Massachusetts, came to Kaskaskia, in 1818. He
remained a few years, and then located upon a farm
two miles north of Chester, in a region around which
there were no settlements near. He was the pioneer
of his settlement. In 1853 he died, having lived to see
the country around changed from a wild into a thickly
settled and highly cultivated district.
1819. — Alexander Campbell, from Tennessee, came
to the Irish Settlement in 1819. He remained here a
few j'ears, then removed to a farm near the Bowerman
Settlement. He was a quiet, good, industrious citizen,
and died in 1827, leaving a large family. His sons
were Edward, John, Andrew, "William and Alexan-
der. The latter three are dead. Edward lives near
his father's old place. Has been County Commissioner
and Justice of the Peace. In 1838, John Campbell
was elected to the office of Sheriff, and continued in
that position ten successive years; was afterwards
elected Judge of the County Court, then Sheriff again;
and he now holds the office of Judge of the County
Court.
1819. — Eli Short was an emigrant from Kentucky.
He settled on the eastern edge of the prairie which
bears his name, and lived there until his death, in 1844.
He was a soldier in the war of 1812, having enlisted
in a Kentucky regiment, and was at the celebrated bat-
tle of Tippecanoe, where he received a wound, from
which he never fully recovered. He drew a pension as
long as he lived. Seeing the v^ant of Gospel ministers
in the new country, he commenced preaching, and con-
tinued to discharge the duties of his holy office until he
OF RANDOT.PH COUNTY. 10d
died. His oldest son, Abraham, remained in Ken-
tucky, and died there. Three others came with him to
Illinois. Denard Short settled near his father, and
died in 1830. John is still living, and occupies a form
two miles east of Steelesville* Jefferson Short went
out in the campaign against the Indians in the Black
Hawk war, and was killed.
1819. — David Hathorn came from Ohio, and settled
first near the present location of Evansville. In 1825,
he located in the southern end Of Oppossumden Prai-
rie, where he remained until his death. He was a good
citizen, and hore the" part of a high-minded, generous
man. His sons were Samuel, James, Thomas, David,
and William, of whom James alone is living.
1819. — James Baird, from Ohio, came in 1819, and
settled the place three miles south of Sparta, now occu-
pied by Alexander Wylie. In his younger days he
was strong, athletic, and a leading man. He is now in
the sere of life, and his friends are as numerous as his
acquaintances. One of his sons, John Baird^ is Judge
of the County Court of Perry County.
1819. — Adanijah Ball made a settlement upon Rock
Castle Creek, in 1819 — penetrating a little farther into
the wilderness. He lived and died in that region. One
of his sons, Franklin Ball, became a prominent man,
and once represented the county in the General Assem-
bly. He died in 1856.
1819. — Arthur Parks came out from Kentucky in
the spring of 1819, and cultivated a crop during the
summer. In the fall he returned and brought his
family. He made a farm on the eastern end of Lively
Prairie, where he spent the remainder of his life, which
closed in 1814. Possessed of a strong, practical mind,
and discriminating judgment, he was a man in whom
10
110 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
the people placed confidence. He once held the office
of County Commissioner, and was a Justice of the
Peace for a great number of years. He had eight sons,
four of whom are now citizens of the county; James
B. Parks, of Sparta, who has held the office of County
Surveyor; John Parks, of Chester; Arthur and Al-
fred, who live upon the farm of their father.
1819. — George Stratton came in 1819, and settled
in the American Bottom. Soon afterwards he bought
the land on which that part of Chester situated upon
the hill now stands, and made a farm which embraced
what is now known as the Buena Vista Addition.
1819. — Isaac Bust, a native of Maine, who had spent
several years at sea, came to Kaskaskia in 1819. After
remaining a few years, he went to sea again, and spent
a year upon the "Ocean Wave;" then returned and
located permanently in Kaskaskia. He was a wagon
maker, and introduced an improved style of that
vehicle among the people of that village. In 1836, he
purchased and moved upon the farm two miles east of
Chester, where he now lives. Firmness, decision, in-
dustry and generosity are the leading traits of his
character. He is the main pillar of the community
around him, and often neighborhood difficulties are
referred to him for adjudication. The appeal of want
never reached his ear without a cheerful response.
1819. — Shelton Evans and Levi Simmons, settled on
the point below Kaskaskia in 1819, or probably before
that date. In 1825 they moved and located permanently
in Horse Prairie. Emanuel Evans, living near Bed
Bud, is a son of Shelton Evans. Levi Simmons left a
large family. One of his sons, William Simmons, was
a joint proprietor of Bed Bad.
1820. — Bobkrt Bratney came from Tennessee to
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Ill
the Irish Settlement, in 1820. His life was that of an
industrious farmer, good citizen, "and generous neigh-
bor. But one of his sons came to this county with him.
He settled upon Plumb Creek, and lived a long and
useful life in that community. He w T a3 the father of
John B., Robert N. and James C. Bratney, all citizens
of the same neighborhood where their father lived and
died. John.B. Bratney holds the office of Justice of
the Peace.
1820. — Martin Smith, an emigrant from the State of
New York, came to the county in 1820. The greater
part of his life was spent in Randolph County. His
only surviving son, John S. Smith, now well advanced
in years, lives two miles from Chester, on the Plank
Road. He improved this farm more than thirty year*
ago, and he has spent his life thus far upon it. He is a
quiet, industrious, intelligent, gooH citizen, and an ac-
commodating neighbor.
1820. — John Thomison made a farm in 1820, four
miles west of Sparta, where he lived several years.
Towards the close of his life he spent his time with his
children, in Short's Prairie. George Thomison, a highly
respected citizen and merchant of Steelesville, is a son
of John Thomison.
1820. — Mr. Adams, from Kentucky, settled in Horse
Prairie, about the year 1820. He was an excellent
representative of the Kentucky pioneers. His son,
Samuel B. Adams, is a prominent citizen of that
prairie, and has filled the office of Associate Justice of
the County Court. He now holds the office of Justice
of the Peace.
1820.— About the year 1820, the McDills— Thomas,
William, and John, settled in the region around the
present city of Sparta. They became the leading men
112 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
of that part of the county. Thomas McDill is }'et
living at an extreme old age, an admirable representa-
tive of a past generation. He made a farm one mile
and a half west of the location of Sparta, and has
lived upon it ever since. William and John settled in
Flat Prairie, where they lived, highly esteemed citi-
zens, for a long series of years. The descendants of
these men are numerous.
1820. — Alexander Alexander came in the latter
part of 1819, or the beginning of 1820. He was from
Chester, South Carolina, and located upon a farm one
mile south of the locality of Eden. He was the pio-
neer of that now populous and wealthy region. His
five sons are still living, respectable, industrious citizens
like their father.
1820. — John and Samuel Cochran, from Beliiist,
Maine, arrived in the county in 1820. John first set
tied upon the farm now belonging to Mr. Darwin.
near the mouth of Mary's river. Soon afterwards lie
settled upon the farm now occupied by Isaac Rust
He moved away to Hancock County about the y<-;, •■
1829. Andrew Cochran made the farm two miles ami a
half from Chester on the plank road, which is occupi»"l
by the Widow Douglas. He moved to HancotV,
County about the year 1830.
1820. — About this year, or probably the year before,
David Carthcart, John Dickey, and John McMillen,
came and settled in the lower end of Flat Prairie. The
arrival of these three men with their families added
much strength to the little settlement, and gave it a
prominence and character which induced others to set
tie in it. They became influential, highly esteem*. '
citizens. Their descendants are now numerous, acH
amonsf the best citizens of that region.
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
lis
lsiM. — Kuenezer Alexander, from Chester, South
Carolina, and James Anderson, from Pittsburgh, came
to the settlement in the lower end of Flat Prairie, in
1821. Mr. Alexander is still living, having spent
nearly forty years of an industrious, useful life in the
same neighborhood. Ih" has a large family.
James Anderson was an intelligent, honorable, high-
minded citizen, and died much lamented. lie left two
sons — Francis B. Anderson, Esq., of Sparta, who
occupies a respectable position at the Randolph County
Bar, and James Anderson, a respectable farmer, living
near his father's old place.
1822. — This year, Samuel Douolas, with James
Bean, Thomas McBride, James Redpath, and some
others, made a settlement in Hitchcock Prairie. Sam-
uel Douolas came to Illinois in 1804, with John and
James Anderson. He was then hut ten years old.
Having reached man's estate, he married and located
as previously stated, and became an influential, leading
man in his settlement. He once held the office of
County Commissioner. His five sons — John A., Arch-
ibald, Georoe V?.. Samuel II., and James T. Douolas,
are all living, and their descendants are numerous.
James Coulter, John and Alexander McKelvey,
settled in the Grand Cote Prairie, in the northeastern
part of the county, in 1822, and were, therefore, the
pioneers of that region. They are all still living, hav-
ing gathered around I hem a numerous population.
They have always held a respectable, position in the
community, and siood high in the church.
in the same year, Klisiia, Georoe, Charles, and
Fortiss Hitchcock, settled in that prairie, fxpiu whom
it has taken its name. There is none of this family
now remaining in the prairie.
*ln
114 HISTORICAL SKETCHES
Sometime previous to 1825, William Gwin, Burke,
Houseman, and James Gillespie, hud settled in the
region of the Bradleys. The descendants of Gwin
are living in the same neighborhood. John K., and
Thomas C. Burke, sons of the pioneer, are leading
men in that community. James M. Houseman, a
respectable farmer in that region, is a son of the pio-
neer. James Gillespie is still living, and the people
of the county have often testified their appreciation of
his worth by electing him a member of the County
Court. He now holds the position of Associate Jus-
tice.
[Thus meeting each pioneer as he arrived, and noting
the locality of his settlement, a mirror-like view of the
settlement of the county has been presented. It is
-difficult to decide at precisely what period of time the
immigrants ceased to be pioneers, but reference has
been made to them just so long as it was required to
settle the various districts or settlements of the county.
Omissions have probably occurred; indeed, if they have
-not, it is remarkable. There may be some inaccuracies
respecting dates. The authority which was considered
most reliable has been followed, though it has been
difficult to decide, in some instances where a difference
has occurred, which was entitled to preference.]
Scattering settlements having been made in nearly
all purls of the enmity, the transition from the wild
State in which it was found, commenced with deter-
mined certainty. Making farms and raising corn was
the chief occupation of the settlers until about the year
1 *_'.">, when they commenced planting and exporting
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 115
cotton. During the next five years, much attention
was given to the production of this article in the neigh-
borhood of Columbus, (now Sparta,) and several cotton
gins had been erected. In 1830, about eighty bales of
cotton, of good quality, were exported from Smith's
Landing, (now Chester.)
The production of cotton gradually gave way to the
raising of castor beans, which, for some years, was the
chief article of commerce. Oil mills were erected in
various parts of the county, for the manufacture of
castor oil, which was shipped to eastern markets, and
always supplied the country with money.
About the year 1839-40, the Messrs. Cole, who had
erected a steam flouring mill at Chester, commenced
exporting flour to Southern and Eastern markets. This
induced the cultivation of wheat, which has gradually
increased until now it is the staple crop. Corn, oats,
and hay have grown to be important crops, and great
quantities above home consumption are annually expor
ted to foreign markets.
In the past twenty years the increase in every de-
partment of agriculture has been most wonderful.
There are now thirteen first class merchant mills in
successful operation, and yet great quantities of wheat
are shipped to distant markets. The production of
fruit has become an important item of commerce, and
the soil and climate are found to be well adapted to its
successful growth. Irish potatoes have proved a profit-
able crop, and farmers are devoting much attention
to its cultivation.
The county contains about five hundred and sixty
square miles of Territory. Its western boundary is the
Mississippi river — forty miles in extent. The Kaskas-
kia river, navigable during a greater part of the season,
116 HISTORICAL SKKTCI1KS
divides it nearly through the centre. It> northern and
eastern boundaries include the extreme points of the
great prairies of the State. Along its southern border
stands a heavy growth of timber. The interior is an
intermixture of the boundaries.
Though the agricultural capacity of theeounty is im-
mense, its great source of wealth is stone coal. Nearly
the area of three townships, in the centre, is underlaid,
with a seam of stone coal, of a superior quality, vary-
ing from two to six feet in thickness.
The population of the county is about twenty thous-
and. The census to be taken next year will probably
show a greater number, as the population is increasing
rapidly.
For more minute particulars of the progress of busi-
ness, and its present commercial capacity, the reader
is referred to the sketches of the cities ami towns which
follow.
RANDOLPH COUNTY AGRICULTU-
RAL SOCIETY.
In the year 1851, the enterprising farmers of Flat
Prairie conceived the idea of organizing an Agricul-
tural Society. On the 9th of January, 1852, the
Messrs. Addison, Crawford, Ckaiq, Robertson,
Brown, Beattie, and a few others, met together and
constituted the society. Robert Brown was chosen
President. Jacob B. Beattie, Treasurer, and William
Addison, Secretary.
The first Annual Fair, or Exhibition, was held the
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 117
third Wednesday in October, 1852, on the farm of
James Craig, Flat Prairie. The second Fair was held
at the same place, 4th October, 1853. And the third
Annual Fair on the farm of William Robertson, Flat
Prairie, 25th October, 1854. The members of the
Society — and consequent need of additional accommo-
dation having greatly increased — the citizens of Sparta
joined with those of the surrounding country in rais-
ing subscriptions to board-fence a lot in Sparta, which
MY Matthew McClurkin handsomely gave free, for
five years. On this lot the three successive Fairs of
'55, '56, and '57, were held, each surpassing the other
in interest and attraction, and in the numbers in
attendance.
In the early part of 1858, the Executive Board pur-
chased a beautiful piece of land, of ten acres, at Sparta
—and at an expense of nearly two thousand dollars,
have had it substantially fenced, with extensive stables
for horses, cattle, &c., and buildings erected for exhib-
iting ladies' work, mechanical, and other articles. On
this ground the Fair of 1858 was held, on the Gth and
7 th days of October, and every year they are, add-
ing to the improvements and embellishments of the
grounds. The grounds and improvements are not the
property of any company or of individuals — but be-
long to whoever are the members of the Society.
The Officei-s, and Executive Committee for 1859, are :
John A. TS"elson, President; William Addison, Sec-
retary and Treasurer. Executive BoaH : Samuel L.
Boyd, Wm. Robertson, James Craio, Aaron M. Al-
len, and John Watson — with Vice-Presidents, who
are ex-officio members of Executive Committee — for
Sparta, James Crawford; for Georgetown, Her.
Heightman; Liberty, H. McLaughland; Chester,
IIS HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF BAKDOLl'tl CO.
Jacob M. Bair; Kaskaskia, Josuua G. Bubch; Prai-
rie du Rochcr, Wm. Henry, Esq.; Union Precinct, K.
D. Durfef. ; Buroct'd, Wm. Kutiierfori».
WEMTEBK HANDOLPH COUNTY ,\<i-
TJICLLTUKAL ftsOCIE-r^'.
The enterprising farmers around Evansville organ-
ized an Agricultural Society in 1854. After holding
four successive and creditable exhibitions, wisdom sug-
gested the propriety of uniting with the other Society;
hence this one has been discontinued.
DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP i3 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— KASKASKIA.
A NDERICK JOHN, fanner.
BUYAT JOSEPH, fanner.
Bauvaia Alexis, do
Barker Lemuel, do
Barker Fayette, do
Barlow William, clock repairei
Beiter Danatus, shoemaker.
Beare Christopher, farmer.
Beare John, do
Bilderback James, do
Boucherie Edward, coroner.
Barnskawky Joseph, farmer.
Balweizer Daniel,
Bond Squire A..
Bode Henry,
Brown Charley,
Buyat August,
Buyat Belonie,
Burghard Joseph,
Burch J. G.,
Burk James,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
OAPLOT PIERRE, farmei.
Caplot Antoine P., do
Caudle Henry, do
Caudle Gregory, do
Caudle William, do
Caudle John, do
Caudle Elney, do
Caudle Anderson, Jr., do
Caudle Harrison, do
Cannady Henry, do
Cannady James, laborer.
Crew John, laborer.
Chenoix (Che-nu) Julian, farmer.
Chenoix Henry, farmer.
Canbery Charles, tailor.
Conrad John, farmer.
Colbert George, do
Conant Nathan, do
Conant Sullivan, cooper.
Crisler Leonard, farmer.
Crawford William II., cooper.
Crisler John M., cooper.
Cullen Owen, do
Cullen Daniel. do
DEPPE F. C, farmer.
Derouse Peter, wagonmaker.
Derouse Belo J., farmer.
Derouse Lewis, do
Detrech Conrad, wagonmaker.
E
VANS ADAM, farmer.
FEAMAN JACOB, capitalist,
Feaman Adam, farmer.
Fisher Henry, farmer.
GARY THEODORE, farmer.
Gant Thomas, farmer.
120 RANDOLPH COUNTY
DANL REILY. E. A. REILY. HENRY REILY.
DAN'L REILY & SONS,
KASKASKIA MILLS,
North nf tin? Town of Kii>ka*kin. an.l Kast of Kaxkaskia Kiwr. Imy
WHEAT. CORN, AND COUNTRY PRODUCE GENERALLY ;
And keej> on hand, and sell at uniform and low prices, a
full assortment of
GROCERIES,
MENS AND BOYS' CLOTHING,
BOOTS AND SHOES,
HATS AND CAPS,
H^^iFt nxr ess,
VWSLJSm WEI, ®WS®SSff l&l*
TINWARE AND STOVES,
Dye-Stuffs, Paints, and Patent Medicines,
STRAW CUTTERS, PLOWS,
LATHS, SHINGLES,
BR ESS ED YiUlQW PtNE FLQQRfNG,
And Assorted
\^HITB FXJHE3 LUMBER;
And in fait every article thai the must prompt attention to the
wants of A growing neighborhood suggests. Have also on hand, and
will sell at an extremely low price, the second-hand, single-flue
Boilers and Engine. Also, one of Clark's Flouring Mills, complete.
A rare chance for getting a cheap Mill "^^
DIRECTORY.
121
TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH. RANGE 7 WJBST._KASK.ASK I A.
Cant Allied.
rainier.
Gant Harvey,
do
Gant Wesley,
do
Gant Robert,
do
Gant William,
do
Gant Thomas, Jr..
do
Gardner A.,
do
Goulding James.
do
Gubernntej' G.:rg<
E-, (arm
TTULS JOEL, S
11 Hals Joel, Jr
r., farmer
^
Hartman Michael
Hauey Patrick,
d
Hargus James H..
d
Hauey John,
do
Haney James,
do
Harmon Joseph.
do
Harm"ii James,
do
Harmon Henry.
do
Harmon Elijah,
do
Harmon Michael.
do
Harmon Abram. J
r.. coopei
Harmon John, Sr.
farmer.
Harmon Lewis,
do
Harmon Felix.
do
Harris E.. mere ha
n(.
Harris John, do
Heard James, farmer.
Harmon James, farmer.
Heard Joseph.
do
Heard William.
do
Hill Stephen.
do
Hock Henry,
do
Hunt James,
do
Hunt Henry,
do
Hughes Henry.
do
Hughes John,
ilu
High** .T-...n*?.
do
o.VKs ARMSTEAD,
Ji ,i\"-< Aviiwir.-i.l, Jr.
K
Kainyuski Otto, physician.
Kavanaugh John, farmer.
Karsfetter Samuel, do
Karstotter Martin, do
Karstetter William, do
LA0I1APELLE LEWIS, far-
mer.
LaChnpelle John, farmer.
Labrier Antoine, do
Labrier Peter, do
Leavitt Abijah. do
Leavitt John, do
Leavitt Edward. do
Ledbetter John, do
Ledbetter Martin. do
Lehnherr Jacob, do
Leming Harvey, do
Leniing William. do
Link John, do
Lilly John J., do
Linch Laae. do
Lortz Hem v M.. blacksmith.
A VAN A UGH DAVL&J.
K»nc John, farmer
n
M
M KEY . I AMES, farmer.
Mackey William, do
Mackcy Ga do
Mann Jonathan "R., do
Mann W. II.. do
Mann John, do
Maun Alfred, do
Maxwell Robert A., do
Maxwell William, do
Maxwell John. do
Maxwell Ferdinand, merchant.
Menard Edmund, farmer.
Milligan William A., farmer.
MilligHji -lames.
Milligan Th
Morn-. ■, II. II.,
M-irpl.v William,
Murphv ' 'wen.
Mulhofhuid Willi
lMevi ;- rhri-tian.
ilMonii-.i <,.:.',■■
do
do
do
do
do
;'o
do
do
\11 RANJJOUMi COUNTY
KASKASKtA STOKE,
GEORGE W. STALEY,
MERCHANT & SHIPPER,
KASKASKIA, ILL.,
Announces to the public that lie has on hand
A COMPLETE ASSORTMENT
OF
%
which will he found to embrace every article the mar-
ket demands. The ladies are requested to call and ex-
amine his
FINE AND FANCY
DRESS SILKS,
Which they will find particularly attractive. A full
supply of
BOOTS AND SHOES,
HATS AND CAPS,
COFFEE, SUGAR, MOLASSES, TAR,
TOB-A-OOO,
And every article necessary to the wants of the eunii-
trv, always on hand.
G. W. STALEY.
KASKASKIA, OCT. 15, 1859.
DIRKCTOUY.
123
TOWNSHIP •» solTH. RANCE 7 WEST.— KASKASKIA.
McDonough Thomas J., farmer.
Morrison, Rev. A. A.
Morrison Hugh, teacher.
NIFONG JOHN, farmer.
Nifong II., do
Nixon William J., do
Nixon James, do
Nixon William, do
OATT JOHN, farmer.
Owens Anthony, farmer.
Owens George L., do
Owens Timothy, do
PEARMAN JAMES, fanner.
Pearman Jesse, do
Pariset P., farmer.
Porter Joseph, fanner.
Porter II., do
Prew Francis, do
j>EILY tMNtEb, aiii.er
l\j merchant.
Raleigh William, farmer.
Roam John, do
Rnekenberg Henry, fanner.
Rocke John, farmer.
Rocke Thomas, do
Ruckle John, do
Roberts Hiram, farmer.
Roberts Jacob, do
Roberts Perry, do
Roberts Wiley, do
Roberts Volncy. do
Roberts Daniel P., lawyer.
Runck Frederick E., fanner.
Runek Fred.
s
EYMOUR EDWARD, farmer.
Seymour George. do
Seymour Henry, farmer.
Seharppell John S., farmer.
Seharppcll John. do
Sinker Henry, do
Smith William, do
Smith Stephen. do
Snow William E.. do
Spindle John D., do
Styles David, do
Stype Henry, Justice of the
Peace.
Staley George W., merchant.
Sulser R. M., farmer.
Sykes Aaron B., farmer.
Stanley Joseph, laborer.
UHLS ALONZO, farmer.
Unger Eli, do
linger Phillip, merchant
Postmaster.
and
VERLIN JOSEPH, farmer.
Vansan Samuel, do
Vansam William, do
WELCH JOHN, farmer.
Weigcl Peter, do
Wundt W. H., do
Williamson Bird, do
Weir James W., do
Weir William J., farmer.
Wiswell Andrew.
Wissal Conrad.
Wood A. C.
Walster Nicholas.
Wright Isaac, Jr., farmer.
Wheeler James M., do
YOUNG ANDREW, farmer.
Young Stephen; do
124
RANDOLPH COUNTY
OLD STONE STORE.
OLDEST ESTABLISHED HOUSE IN (HESTER.
The proprietors of the " Old Stone Store" would call
the attention of the public to their
HVUVHUHSTfiHE: STOCK
m.Y^M
CLOTHING,
SUPERIOR KERSEYS,
loofs km shoes
w — >r i
Hats and C&ijps,
Which they offer for s;;le at
EXTREMELY LOW PRICES.
Til KIR
©L£SS SB® ©WSSUST/i^l
Is of ;i superior hind, and offered for f^alo at very low
rates. A heavy Stock of'
IRON, NAILS, SPADES, SHOVELS, FORKS,
PLOWS, &C, ALWAYS ON HAND.
J. H. & G. S. JONES.
CHESTER.
In the early part of the year 1819, a company was
organized in Cincinnati, Ohio, composed of the late
Major William Oliver, W. Bart, David Brown,
Daniel D. Smith and others, for the purpose of pur-
chasing the lands at the junction of the Mississippi and
Kaskaskia rivers. Danill D. Smith (afterwards killed
by Winchester, at Edwardsville,)came to Illinois as
the agent of the company and purchased a large tract
of land near the mouth of the Kaskaskia, and com-
menced what he intended should he the future metropolis
of Illinois, and named it Portland. The year following,
the late Benjamin A.. Porter ^afterwards the founder
of Helena, Arkansas,) came out and erected a number
of dwellings under a contract with the proprietors, and
also built a steam mill. But towns in those days were
not needed, and despite the prodigious efforts of the
proprietors, this town obstinately refused to grow.
Ten yoava afterwards it had become a ruin, and now only
the faint vestige of the mill may be seen.
In 182!) Samuel Smith, James L. Lamb and Thomas
Mather purchased the land on which Chester now
stands, from the late Judge John McFerren who had
entered it in the year 1818. In the summer of 1829
Mr. Smith built the first house iu Chester, the same
*11
126 RANDOLPH COUNTY
that is now occupied by R. II. Mann as a residence.
In the same year Mr. Smith commenced the erection of
a mill on what was then known as the "screw anger"
principle. This, however, was abandoned before com-
pletion.
In the fall of 1829, Mather, Lamb & Co., (then
merchants of Kaskaskia,) built a slaughter house for
the purpose of slaughtering and packing the beef of
the county, which was then plenty, and of good quality.
In the same year Mr. S. B. Opdyke, representing the
house of Mather, Lamb & Co., built a storehouse and
opened a stock of goods. A large warehouse was
erected at the same time.
In the spring of 1831, Samuel Smith laid off that
part of his land below Wall street into town lots, and
Mather, Lamb & Co., laid off a few lots above AVall
street. The idea of building a town having become
fixed, Mrs. Jane Smith gave it the name of Chester —
she was a native of Chester, England. At this time the
population consisted of Samuel Smith, Setii Allen,
R. B. Servant, with their families, and S. B. Opdyke,
Elias R elder and Samuel Perry. The late, lamented
Setit Allen, had established a cooper shop in 1829,
which he conducted for a number of years, manufac-
turing barrels for packing beef, and for castor oil. R.
B. Servant established a mill for the manufacture of
castor oil, in the fall of 1*30, which for several years
was the institution of the place, and gave to the young
town a considerable commercial importance. In 1831
Silas Leland established a blacksmith shop. The first
brick house in this place was erected by Amizi An-
drews, in 1832. This house was knocked down in
1844, by a steamboat. The same year, Horace Francis
orccted the stone building which he now occupies. At
DIRECTORY. 127
this time forest trees were growing around where the
mill, Swan wick's Row and Holmes' residence now
stand. Tho storehouse now occupied by D. Block
& Bro. was built by Holmes & Swanwick in 1833,
in which they opened the second stock of goods ever
brought to this town.
About this time, the venerable father Mathews, then
in manhood's vigor, commenced holding religious ser-
vice, and gave an origin to tho Presbyterian church
of Chester.
The first physician of Chester was Dr. Barree, who
located in 1834, but died shortly afterwards. Dr. Fer-
ris, who was a prominent physician of Chester for
several years, came in 18:45. In the same year Walker
& Wilkerson opened a large grocery store. The
Messrs. Cole built a mill in the lower part of town, in
1837. It was both a saw and grist mill. At the same
time a ferry boat, driven by horse power, took the place
of the flat boat which had become inadequate to the
business. These horse boats gave place to steam ferry
boats about 1849. In 1836 a frame school house (the
house now used as the African church,) was built and
used as a union church and Sunday school room. The
Messrs. Cole made improvements in their mill in 1839,
and commenced exporting flour to the southern mar-
kets.
In 1840, the name of the Presbyterian church was
changed from theKaskaskia to the Chester Presbyterian
church, and Rev. C. C. Rir.c.s became the permanent
pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. B. F. Spillman,
late of Shawneetown. In 1846, the stone church was
commenced, and completed the year following. The
late Rev. John Kennedy assumed the pastoral charge
of the church in the early part of 1850, and continued
128 RANDOLPH COUNTY
until relieved by death, in the summer of 1851. Rov.
P. D. Youno succeeded to the charge of the congrega-
tion in tho latter part of 1H52, and remained until 1856.
Re*. B. II. Ciiarlks took charge of the church in the
latter part of 1857, and he is now the officiating pastor.
A Baptist church was organized under the ministerial
labors of Rev. Peters, of Waterloo, as early as
1842, and probably some years before. Capt. Rogers,
a devoted Christian, was an active, zealous member
of this church; and contributed much to its prosperity.
Rov. Jenkins became pastor of the church in
1845, and continued to labor for (lie congregation nearly
three years. After bis retirement the church was left
without a pastor, and during a two years absence of
Capt. Rookrs, about. 1849-50, tho organization was
abandoned. On the return of ('apt. Rookrs, in 1851,
'he collected the members together, an 1 fleeted a new
organization. Rev. 1). L. Pnn-uis occasionally
preached for the congregation. In IS;"); 1 ., the large brick
church was erected, and Rev. J. B. Kelly installed as
pastor. In the latter part of 1854, Rev. O. L. Barler
succeeded Mr. Kelly, and be is now the officiating
minister.
In the year 1840, Rev. II. IIatton, a Methodist min-
ister, collected together six communicants of that de-
nomination, and organized tho Methodist church of
Chester. It was placed under the Rout'icra Illinois
conference, and regularly supplied with a preacher. A
German Methodist church was organ i .»ui in 1848. Tho
two congregations united tlieir oftbi.i and erected a
brick church in 1850.
The Associate Reformed church of Chester was or-
ganized by lie". James McAulby in the year 1843.
The congiegi i<>ti depended upon the Synod for sup-
DIRECTORY. 129
plies in preaching until 1858, when Rev. W. A. Pollock
was duly ordained pastor of the church. Under his
offorts a church edifice is in course of erection which
will be :m ornament to the place.
In 1S4 I, Rev. William Mitchell, a clergyman of tlie
Episcopal church, came to Chester, and commenced his
labors with the few members of that denomination liv-
ing in and near the town. Shortly afterwards, the church
was organized. The unceasing, quiet labors of Dr.
Mitchell soon gathered strength to the little congre-
gation, and in 1848 the fine church edifice in which
the congregation now worship was commenced. Four
years afterwards it was completed and opened for pub-
lic service.
Rev. Mr. Buttkrman organized the First Lutheran
church of Chester, in the early part of 1849. The fol-
lowing fall, Rev. M. Eirich succeeded Mr. Butterman,
and commenced at once the erection of their beautiful
church building, which was completed in a few months.
Under the constant labors of Mr. Eirich. the church
has gradually increased its membership.
In 1849 * Father Peren, of Kaskaskia, came to Ches-
ter, and, collecting the members of the Catholic Church,
first commenced saying mass. lie occasionally visited
the congregation, and performed the rites of the church.
The church building was erected in 1*52. Father
Pf.rf.x continued his visits until a few months ago,
when Father Ricpir.s took charge of the church.
Messrs. Holmes & Swan wick commenced the erec-
tion of the stone flouring mill in 1842, and completed
it in 1846. This gave a fresh impetus to the prosperity
of the place, and its bounds began to expand. In 1848,
Chester became the county seat of Randolph County,
* Died on the -1th of October, 1359.
130 KAMml.l'U COUNTY
and Lliv large Court House, (an engraving of which may
be seen on the front page) was erected. From that
time the improvement of the place La* been steady.
At the session of the General Assembly, in 1*55, a city
charter was granted to Chester, which was adopted
and went into operation a few months afterwards. At
tho first charter election the following City Counc«
was elected:
JOSEFII WILLIAMSON, Ma tor.
Aid triii tii. — R. II. Crittenden and G. S. Jones, First Ward.
I. II. Nelson and Henry Stump, Second Ward.
'• Frederick Buckman and Alfred Wiutaker, Third Ward.
1857. — At the next annual election the Board consisted
of:
FREDERICK BUCKMAN, Mayor.
Aldermen.— "R. H. Chittenden and A. P. Palmer, First Ward.
I. II. Nelson, and Henrv Stump. Second Ward.
Alfred Whitaker and J. G. Middendorf, Third Ward.
1858.— Third Board :
SETH ALLEN. Mayor.
Aldermen. — A. Block and A. S. Palmed. First Ward.
I. H. Nelson and Henry Stump, Second Ward.
F. Buckmam and J. G. Middkndorf, Third Ward.
. 1859.— Fourth Board :
GABRIEL JONES, Mayor.
Aldermen.— A. Block and A. Dunn, First Ward.
I. H. Nelson and Henry Stump, Second Ward.
F. Buckman and J. G. MiRRF.snORF, Third Ward.
The erection by the city of a large public school
house, in 1858, closes the leading events of her history.
This building. is mi ornament to tho place, and will be a
lasting monument to the intelligent spirit of her citi-
zens.
DIRECTORY. 131
Menard is ;t part of Chester, though it lies outside
of the city limits. It is the scat of H. C. Cole & Go's
extensive commercial operations, which gives it a local
character and entitles it to a name. It will probably
be brought into the charter limits of Chester before
long, and constitute the Fourth Ward.
182
RANl>ol.»'H CulNTV
F. BUCKMAN
Ha* in Store a large and carefully selected Stock of
FANCY & STAPLE
Designed for the
CHESTER MARKET,
9
And offered on such terms as must please the pur-
chaser. His Stock of
{s large and varied, and of the West quality and latest
styles.
Particular attention is invited to his Stock of
3f
Which will be found of the latest styles and be^t ma-
terial.
CLOTHING,
Of material purchased and made by experienced work-
men, always on hand.
ORDERS FILLED ON SHORT NOTICE.
CATAWBA GRAPE VINES,
ATV1>
NATIVE WINE FOR SALE.
CHESTER DIRECTORY.
ANDREWS AMZI, druggist.
Adams Robert, cooper.
Allmyer John H., merchant.
Allmyer Frederick, stone mason.
Allen Thomas G., lawyer.
Anderson Charles C, merchant.
Anderson A. A., keeps Chester
hotel.
Assman William, Physician.
Andrews Truman Rev., farmer.
BAUMANN JOHN F., cigar
maker.
Barler O. L. Rev., teacher.
Bewie Carl, shoemaker.
Beare Joseph, merchant.
Beare Nicholas, dumber mer-
chant.
Block Charles, grocer.
Block David, do
Block Adolph, commission mer-
chant.
Bommelman F., shoemaker.
Burns William, grocer.
Bungie William, do
Brown Andrew J., teamster.
Brown A. F., laborer.
Buckman Frederick, merchant.
Burbes Peter, stone mason.
COLE H. C, merchant.
Cole A. B., do
Crissey Morris, salesman.
Cole John P., do
Christian James M., stone mason.
12
Clement Judson, Plasterer.
Crittenden Richard H., clerk in
mill.
Chapman A. B., Carpenter.
Clieman William, grocer.
Crain Nelson R., wagon maker.
Callaway Thomas H., constable.
Charles B. H. Rev.
Childs C. J. Dr.
Clemens Curtis C, proprietor of
"Democrat."
Crisler John W., clerk.
DECKER HARMON, teamster.
Detmore Lewis, stonemason.
Dillon Martin, stone cutter.
Dunn Alexander, merchant.
Dunn Frank, clerk.
Douglas Thomas R., salesmau.
ELLIOTT ED., engineer.
Edwards John L., druggist
FINNE WILLIAM, farmer.
Francis Horace, street com-
missioner.
GIN DRAW PETER, cabinet
maker.
Gahrs Henry, cabinet maker.
Gansman Frank, blacksmith.
134 RANDOLPH COUNTY
HERMAN C. COLE. ABNER B. COLE.
H. C. COLE & CO.,
COLE'S MlMf,
CHESTER, ILIi.
MANUFACTUBE
HF. CUB PUIS ULTRA, COLE'S MILLS, k MM
FLOUR.
Sell all kinds of
DRY***
9
GROCERIES
HARDWARE, IRON, NAILS,
And all descriptions of
LUMBER, LATH, SHINGLES.
Also, all kinds of
Agricultural Jmglemnrts.
MAKE
CASH ADVANCES ON PRODUCE
For shipment South or East. Sell Sight Exchange on
Xew Orleans and St. Louis. Pay Cash for all kinds of
bj^nv Prod uce.
DIBEOTOET.
135
Gilster Henry, flour packer.
Griswold George R., Farmer.
Gray Emerson, cooper.
Griss Frederick, porter at Coles'
mill.
Gordon W. A., physician.
Gnaigy Jacob, grocer.
H
ALL E. J., druggist"
Hartenbergor Jacob, wagon
maker.
Hartenbergor Peter, teamster.
Haskin C. I., keeps livery stable.
Haskin Charles I., commission
merchant.
Holmes J. B., dealer in real estate.
Holbrook, J. C, lawyer.
Hoff Nicholas.
Horn Casper, hotel keeper.
Hobbs Thomas, butcher.
Harmer Geo. W., clerk of wharf-
boat.
Hobls James, butcher.
JONES Jamais H., merchant.
Jones G. S., do
Jones Gabriel, mayor and justice
of the peace.
Jourdan James B., saddler.
KIPP JOHN HENRY, sales-
man.
Knapp J. J., carpenter.
Kerr David, druggist.
LANNAMAN HARMON, clerk.
Lakenan William R., gar-
dener.
Layne Elisha, carpenter.
Leittleton John A., engineer.
Lish A. P., brewer.
Lybarger D. S., blacksmith.
Loughran Hugh, merchant.
Louguran Charles, do
Jieper A. H.. physician.
MATTINGLY, J. B., steamboat
capt.
Mann Robert, wagon maker.
Mann Robert H., salesman.
Middendorf John G., merchant.
Morey A., lumber merchant.
Morrison Thomas S., lawyer.
Montague C, plasterer.
Montague E. J., publisher of Di-
rectory.
McCullun Uriah, cooper.
McQuistan John C, inn keeper.
McNabny John., deputy post
master.
Mann John H., teacher.
McBrino William, keeps hotel.
NALER ISAAC, laborer.
Nelson Isaac H., clerk of the
county court.
Neville Harvey, Sr., lawyer.
Neville Harvey, Jr., engineer.
Nisbet Hugh B., proprietor of
"Democrat."
CHS ADAM, cooper.
PALMER A. S., furniture mer-
chant.
Paulus John, brickmaker.
Phillip E., grocer.
Phillip A., do
Pollock W. A. Rev.
RALLS J. M., clerk of circuit
court.
Rader Henry, cooper.
Robbe Frederick, laborer.
Rehfeldt William, miller.
Roberts William, saddler.
Robison James W., capt of '• Wild
Duck."
Ritter Valentine, grocer.
Reno John W., cooper.
Runger Henry, stone mason.
186 RANDOLPH CODNTT
CLOTHING,
OF
EVERY VARIETY AND QUALITY,
OF THE MOST DESIRABLE STYLES,
AND
SUPERIOR WORK,
RECEIVED FROM
*
J±.T
KSttftY SHUTZ'S
FRONT STREET,
CITY MILLS. CHESTER ILLINOIS.
A full supply of
BOOTS, SHOES; HATS, CAPS, &0.
And every description of
GENTLEMEN'S FURNISHING GOODS, JEWELRY, &C.
HENRY SHUTZ.
niEECTORY.
137
SONNAM ANN HARMAN, plaa -
terer.
Bauppe Henry, Dr.
Schuchert J. F., merchant.
Bchuchert William, salesman.
Schuchert J. F. M., blacksmith.
Schrader Charles, cooper.
Shane Phillip, brickmaker.
Servant R. B., justice of the peace.
Bhrader £., laborer.
Sherman J. G., carpenter.
Shardong Charles, do
Shutz Henry, clothier.
Smith Davis, butcher.
Smith Thomas, baker.
Sonnanberg Henry, miller.
Bpeekman Henry, gardener.
Stump David, stone mason
Bttunp Henry, carpenter.
Btolle H. R., grocer.
Bwanwick John.
Swan wick Francis.
TACKENBERY HENRY, tai-
lor.
Trefte Frederick, wagon maker.
Threldkell W. H., keeps boarding
house.
Toppe David, carpenter.
WALKER E., grocer.
Widen W. S.,
Warren Stan/ord, carpenter.
Warren Alfred, teamster.
Warren John K., carpenter.
Wassell Charles, merchant tailor.
Wegner August, cabinet maker.
Weibuck C, mason.
Wheerly Raymond, jeweler.
Whitaker Alfred, furniture mer-
chant.
Wilbern James, wagon maker.
Wester Frederick,jailor.
Wegner Christian, carpenter.
Williamson Joseph, tinner and
stove merchant.
Williamson C. C, keeps ferry.
Williamson Francis M., tinner.
Williams J.
TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— CHESTER.
RPIN MICHAEL, laborer.
i Abbey William, farmer.
BARNES THOMAS, farmer.
Burch J. G., do
Boga Frederick, do
Benvenn Lewis, cooper.
Bair Jacob M. Sr., farmer.
Bair Jacob M. Jr., do
Bair David, teamster.
Bartles C, farmer.
Brown A. F., do
Burk William, farmer.
Browder William M., farmer.
*12
CLAMPICK JOHN, farmer.
Clore Harrison, do
F
ARLEY DAVID, farmer.
GROSS FERDINAND, farmer
Gindran Franci3 C, do
Gindran Peter, do
H
ESS ANTOINE, farmer.
Hanna J. C. Jr., do
138 RANDOLPH COUNTY
CHESTER & ST. LOUIS
HEBDLAR TRI-WEEKLY PACKET.
THE FAST AND COMMODIOUS STEAMER.
WILLIAM GARVIN,
Will continue to ply aa a regular passenger and freight Packet be-
tween the above named Ports, leaving Chester every "Wednesday,
Friday, and Sunday mornings, at 7 o clock; and leaving St. Lou it
■4Very Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, at 4 o'clock.
ALEX. ZEIGLER, Master;
JOE 8. KEITH, )
> Clerks.
JA8. WINBURN, J-
WILLIAM SANNEMANNTBRO.
Would announce to the citizens of Chester, and vicinity, that they
have just opened a large Stock of
m m Hi
FAMILY* GROCERIES
'in their new Building, at the angle of the Plank Road,
OHESTKR, ILLINOIS.
They have also in Store a variety of
DRY-GOODS,
To which they invite especial attention. Their Stock of
BOOTS A1>TI> SHOESS
Will be found of the best quality. They have also an extensive
Tariety of HATS AND CAPS. They invite a call from every per-
40a, feeling confident that they will be able to please.
DIRECTORY.
139
TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— CHESTER.
Harden Joseph,
Hi.-to Christie,
Herbert Peter,
Hoff Nicholas,
farmer,
do
do
do
JOHNSON ROBERT, farmer.
Janna Andrew, do
Janna Michael, do
K
IPP F. W., farmer.
Eriege H., do
AHMANN AUGUST.
MARLIN WILLIAM, C, far-
mer.
Miller William, farmer.
Mitchell Rov. W., do
Montreal Joseph, laborer.
Montreal Michael Sr., farmer.
Montreal Michael Jr., do
Montreal John, do
Menard Lewis, farmer.
pETTIT HENRY N. farmer.
ROCKWELL LAURIN, fanner
Rockwell Ephraim D. do
Rockwell Justus, laborer.
Raville John B., farmer.
SANDERS CHARLES L., far-
mer.
Seguin Antoine, farmer.
TINDALL R. W., teamster.
Tindall Nelson, cooper.
Thompson William, farmer.
WEIBUCK CHRISTOFP,
mer.
Webb Solomon, farmer.
far-
TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST.— CHESTER.
ADAM JAMES, farmer and
lumber merchant.
A.dam James P., farmer and lum-
ber merchant.
Bisner Henry, farmer.
BilderbackS. P., do
Brown Lemuel M., farmer.
Brooks John, do
BIERMANN FREDERICK, far-
joer.
CRISLER ABEL, farmer,
Crisler Thomas J., do
140
RANDOLPH COUNTY
GAHRS & WHITAKEB,
MANUFACTURERS AND
%
%
IN ALL KINDS OF
CHESTER, ILXi.
9
AMZI ANDREWS.
JOHN L. EDWARDS*
ANDREWS & EDWARDS.
EVE
at
DEALERS IN EVERY VARIETY OF
PAINTS, OILS,
DYE-STUFFS,
YARNISHES,
SPBRillT @AS„ AUB@W@L r TU-RPgNTONi,
BOOKS AND STATIONERY,
JEWELRY, PERFUMERY, NOTIONS, &C.
CHESTER, IUIj.
ntRBCTOBT.
141
TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST.— CHESTER.
Gaesell C, farmer.
Caney August, farmer.
Clare Abram, do
Clare Franklin B., farmer.
Cander Martin, do
Crittenden William, do
Crawford Hugh M., do (justice
of the peace.)
Campbell Elisha, farmer.
Craige Robert, do
DIXON MUNGO, farmer.
Dame Charles R., farmer.
Demack Lewis, do
Douglas RobortS., do
Douglas Adam, do
Douglas Launcay, do
Douglas Jame3, farmer and mil-
ler.
Douglas Andrew, farmer.
Dravies Henry, do
Darwin John G., farmer and wood
merchant.
Dean John, farmer.
EBERS HENRY, farmer.
Emery Robert, do
Esselmann Bernard, do
FEY PHILLIP, farmer.
Fleetwood George, farmer.
Ful ford Thomas, farmer.
GRAHAM ROBERT S., farmer
and carpenter.
Gilchrist Archibald, farmer.
Groh Frederick, farmer.
Greenawalt Henry, farmer.
.Griffith William, do
HARTENBERGER C, farmer.
Hays Joseph C, brickmaker.
Hahn Christian, farmer.
Hanslek Albert, do
Harkness, George, do
Heine Henry, do
Hinkback Girard, do
Hillerman Frederick farmer.
Hill Thomas, do
Hindman James H., do
Haney John, do
Holloman Ezekiel, do
Harnbush, do
JOHNSON BARTHOLOMEW,
farmer.
KETTLER CHRISTOPHER
farmer.
Kennedy Eli, farmer.
Kean Joseph,
Knapp Philip C.,
Knapp Jacob,
Knope Lewis
Razma Jacob,
do
do
do
do
do
LIVELY FLEMING, farmer
Lively Reuben, do
Lawson Mason, do
Lawson Andrew K., do
Linder Lewis, do
Lively Richard, do
Lybarger Edmund S., do
MASON JAMES W., farmer.
Murchencosky Peter, do
Miller, Matthew, do
Miller Henry, do
Myers Peter, blacksmith.
Moore William, farmer.
142 RANDOLPH COUNTY
THOMAS G. ALLEN,
gMtortmj and <|0unsetor.
Will practice Law in the Circuits comprising Randolph and adjoin-
ing counties. Also, in the Supreme Court of the State, and in th«
United States District and Circuit Courts. Residence and Office,
JAMES C. HOLBROOK,
grttonujj and (&0\hw\qx at <&w,
AND
NOTARY PUBLIC,
CHESTER, - - - - ILLINOIS.
OFFICE IN THE COURT HOUSE.
Will practice in Randolph and adjoining counties, and Supreme
Court of Illinois, and United States Courts, Ac.
THOMAS S. MDRRISON,
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW;
OFFICE ON
SPARTA STREET, CHESTER,
RANDOLPH COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
HARVEY NEVELL,
OHETSTE5FL, II_.1L..
RESIDENCE IN CHESTER.
DIRECTORY.
143
TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE « WERT.— CHESTER.
OACH SIMON, farmer.
N
LDENSLAKER PETER, far-
0LDE1
mer.
PETTIT THOMAS, former.
Peck Jacob Sr., do
Pinkerton David J., do
Peck Jacob, Jr., do
Proctor Thomas, do
RAY WALTER, farmer.
Rushka M., do
Riggs David, do
Robison Joseph Sr., do
Robison Joseph Jr., do
Rust George S., keeps hotel.
Rust Isaac, farmer and wagiui-
makcr.
Runger Frederick, farmer.
SHUTZ CHARLES,
Shutz Benjamin
Schrader Frederick.
Schrader Julius.
Smith John 8.,
farmer,
do
do
do
do
Smith Francis, fanner.
Sullivan Lesscnbee, do
Schzirkosky C. L., do
TAGDER JOHN, farmer.
Tindall Reuben Jr., farmer
Telfer Charles M., do
Turner Wilson, do
Y
TANOVER SAMUEL, farmer.
WELGE CONRAD.,
Whitson H. C.
Williamson Bird..
Wilcox William.
WiJagala Martin,
Wood Enoch,
Wood John M.,
Woolshack Joseph,
Woolshack Voluntine,
farmer.
do
do
do
do
Jo
do
do
do
YOUNG JOHN, farmer and
tailor.
Young Richard M., nurseryman.
Young James, farmer.
Yarres Damon, do.
144 KANl>OLPH COUNT1
RAYMOND WHEERLY,
Denier in
WATCHES,
Jewelry, Spectacles, Gold Pens, etc.
Watches and Clocks repaired at short notice, and
warranted. Shop in Chester, on the Hill, near the
Court House
D. BLOCK & BRO ,
WHOLESALE k RETAIL
GROCERS:
DEALERS IN
FOREIGN .Nil IIOMESTIC LIQUORS.
CHESTER, ILLINOIS .
C. WASSELL,
MERCHANT TAILOR,
A. IV 13 DEALER IN
GENTLEMEN'S FURNISHING GOODS.
NO. 2 SWANWICKS ROW,
_ Chester, IllimQia .
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL STORE.
I oft'er for snip, at my two places of business, near the Court
House, in Cheater, a good, now. and well assorted Stock of Goods,
consisting in part of Men's Boots and Shoes; Ladies', Misses', and
Children's Boot*, Shoes, and Gaiters; Family Groceries ; Hardware,
Quernsware, Nails, Cedar ware, Stoneware, Tobacco, Notions, Toys.
Also, a large assortment of Baskets, from a very fine article to the
strong feed Basket. Whisky by the barrel and half barrel, together
with other articles too tedious to mention.
Goods will be exchanged for merchantable produce, and the best
prices paid, by
.A. i»:h:x3l.h»je» < i
CHESTER, Sept. 17, 1850.
DIRECTORY. 14;>
•§9 *8k '''a V 4 'fe ''®!i
MRS, E, T. k MR. A. A. ANDERSON,
Proprietors.
Un Front street, one square above the Wharf-boat. A good
stable in connection with the House. McCutchcon's Hacks leave
this house daily lor Sparta.
BANK OF CHESTER,
The Bank of Chester allows interest to Time De-
positors; buys and sells Exchange on the principal
cities of the United States; makes Collections, and
does a general Banking Business.
C. MILTENBERGER, Cashier.
CHAS. J. CHILDS, M. D.,
hpician, Jlur^n,
AND
OBSTETRICIAN.
Oflkvi opposite the Store of J. H. A G. 8. Joxrs,
CHESTER, D!kUI5«@liS.
JAMES H. WATT,
ri
CHESTER, ILLINOIS.
OFFICE IN THE COUPT HOUSE.
18
140 RANDOLPH COUNTY
BOSTON STORE.
FP.6NT STREET, CHESTER, ILUNOIS.
M AMMQTH 8T0C K .
JOSEPH BEARE,
Who would respectfully announce to the citizens of Randolph, Per-
ry, and Jackson, that he has now on hand, one of the largest and
most complete Stocks of Goods ever offered in Southern Illinois, con-
sisting in part of every description of
F»LA.1IV VNTI3 FANCY
gq>-#00k (Ooi|ing t Ciotjs,
HATS, GAPS, SHIRTS, SHAWLS, MANTILLAS,
BLACK, FANCY, AND FIGURED SILKS;
3H, French, o_i : .:.:;.:;, a:;: ;.:.! ... pk:nts,
Bonnets of the Finest of Texture and Latest Styles ;
A No. 1 ARTICLE OF
COFFEE, SUGAR, TEA & TOBACCO,
HARDWARE, QUEEtfSAYARE, STONEWARE,
And a thousand and one other articles not enumerated, which trill '.«
disponed of cheap for cash or country proo w.
_ ALSO, A LARGE LOT OF
PINE AND CYPRESS SHINGLES,
White and Yellow Pine, and Dressed Flooring.
HAVING HURCHA8JSD MV ST<M'K CPOS tiik --CASH SV>TKM. I i w
kVVOHD. AND 1 AM DETKIOIINKD To SK1.J.
BXTKEMEI.Y LOW. FOR CA^H-
DIRECTORY. 147
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IS
PLAIN AND ORNAMENTAL
f U&NIYU&B.
illf ill, BED STEADS,
TABLES, DESKS, SECRETARIES, SAFES,
MATTRESSES, CRIBS, BOOKCASES,
WARDROBES, CHAIRS,
CHXTRISrS, MIRRORS,
CLOCKS, AND TRIMMINGS.
In short, every description of
FURNITURE, CLOCKS, *C„ &C.
BRICK ROW, NEARLY OPPOSITE WHARFBOAT,
CHESTER, ILLINOIS.
We will sell as
CHEAP AS ANY OTHER HOUSE
In the Western Country, and warrant all that we seli,
"Nuf sed."
A. S. PALMER.
148 RANDOLPH COUNTY
1859. 1859.
hy
JOHN C. M QUISTON,
CHESTER,, ----- ILLIISTOIW.
PLANTER'S HOUSE,
Corner Front and Angle Streets,
CHESTER, - - ILLINOIS.
WILLIAM McBRINE, Proprietor.
STABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE HOUSE.
TWO MILE HOUSE,
CAMPTOWN, ILLINOIS.
The undersigned is prepared to accommodate customers day or
night, in the most satisfactory manner. He intends to keep as good
a house as can be found in the country.
j£35^ Horses kept by the dav or week, on reasonable terms. ■'H^
G-. S. RUST.
ILLINOIS HOUSE,
Opposite Wharf Boat,
CHESTER, ILLINOIS.
Travelers will find this a convenient and pleasant stopping place.
C. HORN, Proprietor.
Bakery in connection with this House. *Ss^
C. EL
DIRECTORY. 149
The Quickest and most Reliable, and at the same Time, the most
Efficacious and Pleasant Article ever Employed for the Hair, is
PROF. O. J. WOOD'S
HAIR RESTOR ATIVE.
The New York Day Book says :
"The majority of Hair Washes, Hair Dyes, Hair Tonics, Hah
Oils, and the numberless preparations which are now before the pub-
lic under such extravagant, hyperbolical, and fantastic titles, as we
see paraded in show window cards and newspaper headings, as hair
preparations, are all humbugs of the first water; their real merit,
when they possess any, is : that they do no harm. HOG'S LARD,
WHALE OIL, LARD OIL, SWEET OIL, scented and colored, make
up, when in beautiful wrappers and white flint glass bottles, the
costliest character of tonics ; and when thus costly, are baptized
with some trisyllable term, aud caught at by verdant young and old
of both sexes. Such is not the character of Professor Wood's Hair
Restorative. This gentleman comes before the world without any
'high falutin' Xilophlorium, or any other astounding and startling
catchpenny terms : he simply advertises a Hair Restorative — what it
expresses, precisely — and as a restorative it acts. Buy Professor
Wood's Hair Restorative, and as you value your scalp, aye, your
very brains, apply nothing else ; for it may be that you will get
some worse substance than perfumed lard oil on your cranium. —
Remember, Wood's Restorative for the Hair is the best article ex-
tant."
IT WILL, BY NATURE'S OWN PROCESS, RESTORE
GRAY HAIR TO THE ORIGINAL COLOR!
Will make it Grow on Bald Heads;
Will restore the Natural Secretions;
Will remove at once all itching;
Will remove all Dandruff:
Will cure all eruptions — even Scald Head ;
Will make the Hair Soft and Glossy :
Will make the old appear young again ;
Will preserve the Color of Hair to old age :
Will always Fasten it and stop its Falling ;
And is one of the best Toilet Articles for the Hair now in use.
Manufactured by 0. J. WOOD 4 CO., and sold Wholesale and
Retail, at 444 Broadway, New York, and 114 Market street, St. Louis.
Mo. Also, sold by all Druggists in the City and Country.
SOLD IN CHESTER BY
E. J. HALL, and
EDWARDS & ANDREWS.
*13
150 RANDOLPH COUNTY
SPRING HILL
ACCOMMODATION.
The undersigned is making preparations to devote
his exclusive attention to tlio entertainment of those
who favor him with their patronage at Spring Hill.
Will always be supplied in a style thai will render per-
fect satisfaction to his guests.
TH13 STABLE
Will be furnished with Corn, Oats, and Hay, and kept
in the best of order.
X M. BAIR
MARTIN DILLON,
DEALER IN
ITALIAN AND AMERICAN MARBLE.
MaNUMEN;T$ 8 TQMBSTONES, gTC,
Persons wishing to beautify the last resting place of
their departed friends with something neat, appro-
priate, and durable, can be accommodated on the most
reasonable terms, by application at my shop, one door
north of J. H. & Or. 8. Jones' Dry Goods Store,
FRONT STREET, CHESTER, ILL.
Ah none but the BEST MATERIAL is used, per-
sons may rely on being furnished with the best of
material. The workmanship will be executed in the
most beauttfal style. The public are invited to call
and examine'dpeeimens of his work.
DIRECTORY. 151
C. LOUGHRAN. C. C. ANDERSON.
LOUGHRAN & ANDERSON
DEALERS IN
FANCY & STAPLE
BONNETS,
HATS AJKTID OAFS,
X&S1&&X AX9 H®*X®HS,
BOOTS AND SHOES,
HARDWARE AND CUTLERY,
AND
QUEENSWARE ;
TOGETHER WITH
TEN THOUSAND OTHER ARTICLES
t@@ NMMte&Qis t@ m emtio m.
NO. 17 FRONT STREET,
01a.Qjstox% 111.
152 RANbOLl'If COUNTY DIRECTORY
^\\W^> %^$&^%3
O. I.
Front Street, Chester, HI.,
Where may be constantly found a good supply of first class
PROMPT DRIVING HORSES, OPEN AND TOPPED BUGGIES, & CARRIAGES,
Which will be let on the most reasonable terms. Passengers con-
veyed to any point on short notice. Horses fed by the day or week.
SHANNON HOUSE,
Corner of Maine and St. Louis Streets,
SPARTA, ILLINOIS.
THIS WELL KNOWN
3? 5 J& S ff ®i><^SS U ® *!? B &,
Having recently undergone repairs, now offers superior
attractions to the traveling public. Full}' determined
that every attention shall be given to the warns of
those who favor this House with their patronage, the
Proprietor respectfully solicits a call, feeling satisfied
that ho will be able to render his guests comfortable.
$&~ Stages for St. Louis, Belleville, and Chester,
leave this House daily.
J. P. GUTBLIUS, Proprietor.
SPARTA.
The ground on which the City of Sparta now stands
was originally purchased and owned by John Armour,
an emigrant from Pennsylvania, who located upon it
in the year 1826. He erected a small log house, and
made a farm upon the ground. Anticipating the wants
of the growing settlements around him, and being a
man of enterprise, he erected and put in operation a
tread-mill, which stood near the spot now occupied by
the Mansion House. The erection of this mill was the
" circumstance" to which the city owes its existence.
Eobert G-. Shannon, (who was then keeping a store
one mile south of the embryo town,) seeing that nearer
the mill would be a better locality for selling goods,
purchased a small quantity of Mr. Armour's land, and
erected a small store house near the locality where now
stands the large brick building known as u Shannon's
Old Store House." Here he commenced that success-
ful business career which so distinguished him through
a long life, and which has left an enduring name in the
annals of Sparta.
With a mill and a store as a basis for a town, the
enterprising proprietor had his land surveyed into town
lots, and proceeded to dispose of them at public auc-
tion. The first lot sold was purchased by Samuel
154 RANDOLPH rul'.NTV
Hill, for the sum of four dollars. This sale took place
in the year 1829, from which period the place may date
its existence, as it commenced to improve and assume
the character of a village from that time.
Daring the same year, James McClurken, whose
name was intimately connected with the progress of
the place for thirty years, built a house on the hill
southeast of the town. In the same }*ear, Lawson
Murphy, another of the prominent citizens of the
place, established a brickyard, and commenced making
brick. About the same time, Cornhill Ballard built
a shop, and commenced blacksmithing. Alexander
Campbell established a carpenter shop. Several dwell-
ings were erected in the same year. In the spring of
1830, Dr. Pyles, then a young man, came to the town
and opened a school. The year following, James A.
Foster settled in the town, and has been a citizen ever
since. Dr. Joseph Farnon, who has been the leading
physician of the town and vicinity for many years,
located in 1830. In 1833, William H. McDill opened
a hotel. In 1834, John A. Wilson, John Little, John
Gray, -Thomas Gaston, and John W. Slade, became
citizens of the town, and gave it quite an impetus for
improvement. Slade & McClurken established a
store — the second in the place.
The prospects of the town induced a steady increase
of population and business importance. Sufficient
progress had been made to establish the certainty of
building a town, and the beautiful location and the rich
farming lands around, which have since been reduced
to a high state of cull' ration, increased the induce-
ments for persons to locate. In 1836, the town received
a valuable acquisition in the person of William Ros-
borough, who established the well known and exten-
DIRECTORY. 155
sive mercantile house of which he is the senior partner.
He opened his store first in the neighborhood four
miles from Sparta, but seeing the advantages of the
location and prospects of the place, he moved into
town.
In 1837, the town was incorporated, and received the
name of Columbus. The first Board of Town Trus-
tees consisted of Dr. Joseph Farnon, Lawson Mur-
phy, John A. Wilson, James A. Foster, and John W.
Slade. A code of ordinances was enacted, and the
town government put in successful operation. The
first business transacted by the Board was imposing a
fine of one dollar upon Robert G. Shannon for the
offense of leaving his wagon in the street during the
night.
The brick School House, known in later years as
'Sparta Seminary," was built in 1838, and though
somewhat antiquated in appearance now, it was then a
magnificent structure, far in advance of the times. It
^ave to Sparta her reputation for schools, which she
has always sustained with high credit to herself, and
advantage to the youth.
In 1839, a steam grist and saw mill was erected by
James McClurken. This gave an additional import-
ance to the commercial interests of the place, and new
improvements immediately followed. Mr. McClurken
had previously put in operation a cotton gin, which
stood south of the town. Cotton was raised and
shipped in considerable quantities from this county
thirty years ago.
In the same year — 1839 — the " Columbus- Herald'.'
was established by James Morrow. He conducted
the paper nearly a year, and sold it to John E. Det-
kich. It was during the year 1839 that the name of
156 RANDOLPH COUNTY
the town was changed from Columbus to Sparta, and
Mr. Detrich changed the name of his paper to " Sparta
Democrat."
The first oil mill for the manufucture of castor oil
was put in operation by James McClurken, in 1840.
The manufacture of castor oil, and the buying of castor
beans, formed an important item in the commerce of
Sparta for many years. Oil mills were afterwards
erected by E. G. Shannon and William Rosborough,
and the farmers in the vicinity found a ready market
at these mills for their castor beans, of which great
quantities were raised.
In 1843, the members ot* the Associate Eeformed
Church commenced the erection of their spacious brick
building, which was completed three years after. The
congregation had been organized some years before,
and the Rev. William M. Graham was the preacher.
He was succeeded, in 1847, by Rev. David McDill, a
distinguished minister of that denomination. Rev.
John F. Stuart succeeded Dr. McDill two years ago,
and is now the pastor of the church.
In 1842, a Methodist Society was organized by Rev.
M. Martree. A church building was erected in 1848,
and the pulpit has been supplied by the various minis-
ters appointed by the Methodist Conference.
A Baptist Church was organized by Rev. H. S.
Deppe, in 1854. A church building was erected the
following year. Rev. J. B. Campbell is the regular
minister.
One of the most important additions to the business
of Sparta, was the erection, in 1850, of a Woolen Fac-
tory, by the Messrs. McClurkkn. It was constructed
at a heavy expense, and has been in successful opera-
tion ever since. The present proprietor, Mr. Thomas
DIRECTORY. 157
McClurken, has made additions to its manufacturing
capacity during this season, and now the wool growers
of this and adjoining counties have a ready market for
their wool.
Since 1853, two large merchant mills have been
erected, each one with a capacity of producing two
hundred and fifty barrels of flour per day. The con-
struction of these mills was the work of joint stock
associations, and the enterprises have given a fresh
impetus to the raising of wheat, which is now pro-
duced as a staple crop.
At the last session of the General Assembly, Sparta
obtained a City Charter, which went into operation a
few months ago. At the Charter Election, the follow-
ing city officers were elected :
JOHN A. WILSON. Mayor.
ALDKRMEN :
First Ward. — Robekt Gammell and Johx Watso.n.
Second Ward. — Matthew McCujRKEy and Hugh Kirkpatruk.
Third Ward. — J. F. McOandi.ess and John W. McCormack.
Fourth Ward. — Robert J. Harmer and Samikl Niel.
Street Commissioner. — James LA.ueHi.ix.
Treasurer. — Joseph McIIevrt.
Assessor. — H. 0. McCormack.
A steady increase of all the concomitants of a town
has marked the progress of Sparta from its commence-
ment. Situated in the centre of one of the most fertile
and eligible fanning regions in Illinois, the town was
surrounded by a class of industrious, enterprising and
practical farmers, who have reduced the soil to a high
state of cultivation, which has produced a healthy ad-
vancement in every department of commerce.
The young citv now contains ten dry goods store*-
14
158 RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY.
three grocery stores; one boot and shoe store and man-
ufactory; three boot and shoe shops; two stove and tin-
ware stores; three tailor shops; one jewelry store;
three millinery shops; two confectionery stores; one
bakery; two furniture stores; two saddlery and har-
ness shops; two wagon, one plow, and four blacksmith
shops; one steam barrel manufactory; two flouring
mills; one saw mill; one woolen factory; three hotels;
three churches; three school houses; one academy; two
literary societies; one library; five physicians; three
lawyers; four resident ministers.
SPARTA DIRECTORY.
ALLEN AARON M., merchant.
Abernathy Thomas, carpen-
ter.
Aitkin Jaracs, carpenter.
Anderson Francis B., lawyer.
Anderson Noble, farmer.
Anderson William, shoemaker.
Askins William P., engineer.
Askins John, tinner.
Allen Andrew, teamster.
BROWN LEMUEL A. C, stove
merchant.
Brown M. M., Rev., principal of
Union Academy.
Brown Samuel, tinner.
Brown Kinsley, tinner.
Brown John Lyman, proprietor
of '' Herald and Press."
Brown Nicholas H., tinner.
Brown James C., carpenter.
Brown James S.. miller.
Baird William M., carpenter.
Baird Reuben, do
Baird George 0., do
Baty Francis II., trader.
Baily Reuben, keeps livery.
Baldridge William.
Brown Thomas.
Beaver David, furniture dealer.
Brunson Frederick, shoemaker.
Bascom Arthur W., teamster.
CAMPBELL LOUIS H.. painter.
Clendenin Henry S., saddler.
Cowel William, cabinet maker.
Camp M., carpenter.
Chapman Hiram, shoemaker.
Caldwell William J., jobber.
Chalmbers William G., saddler.
Caruthers Caleb, blacksmith.
Caruthers Finley, do
Calderwood Hugh, superinten-
dant of Sparta mill.
DETRICH JOHN E., merchant.
Detrieh Jacob S. furniture
dealer.
Dickey James, laborer.
Dobbins John S., blacksmith.
Dobbins Andrew, wagonmaker.
EDWARD CROSLEY, spinner
in factory.
Edgar William, book merchant.
Edminston Abner.
Eekuph.
FARNAN JOSEPH, physician
and druggist.
Farnan James, physician,
Fairborn Jolm, laborer.
Foster Robert L., expressman.
Ferris D. S., minister.
GARDNER HENRY, trader.
Gardner Nicholas, grocer.
1<><» • It.VXltOLPII COUNTY
SPARTA LIVERY STABLE.
D. RIGDON & CO.,
'Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Sparta ami the pub-
lic in general, that they are now prepared to accommodate all who
may favor them with their patronage. Having reeently made large
additions to their stock, thpy can now accommodate all' with
SADDLE HORSES,
AND
CARRIAGES,
Of a supiiior quality, and on the most reasonable term*.
Persons wishing to be conveyed to different points, can be ac-
commodated in good style, on the shortest notice.
Horses stabled and fed by the day or week.
SPAETA
DRUG AND BOOK STORE.
JOSEPH FARNAQI,
WHOLBSALI AND RETAIL DEALER IN
DRUGS, MEDICINES,
paints, oils, Si|L% VARNISHES,
gw.p ,8wte,dMa wiaoy giass,
Stationery, ami Fancy Articles; Patent Medicines;
Taints, Oils, and \ r arnishes; Books and Station-
ery ; Notions and Fancy Articles ; Win-
dow Glass, of the best quality.
Also. Paint, Varnish and Cloth Brushes; Candies, Spices, Ac.
,?S~ Physicians and Country Merchants supplied at a very
small per cent, above St. Louis Prices. Prescriptions compounded
at all hours. Store on^the corner of St. Louis and Broad streets.
DIRECTORY.
161
Gardner Fayette, carpenter.
Goddard J. H.,
Goddard William B., carpenter.
Gillebran Adam, laborer.
Gammill Robert, miller.
Gerred Hugh, lumber merchant.
Gorsuch Elijah, boot and shoe
merchant.
Gorsuch M. G., physician and
druggist.
Gordon James, merchant.
Gray James, baker.
Gray John, tailor.
Gutherie Hugh R., physician.
Grutelius John F., inn keeper.
Gray William.
Grenslet E., cooper.
Gobsan Robert, stone mason.
Graham George, shoemaker.
HARMER ROBERT J., clurk of
union mill.
Hood Archibald.
Hood James, merchant.
Hood Robert, do
Hood John.
Hood William, mason.
Hopkins Richard R., physician.
Hudson John, salesman.
KIRKPATRICK JOHN, miller.
Kirkpatrick Hugh, inn
keeper.
Klene Benjamin, brickmakor.
LONG ZAOHARTAII, linnr-v.
i.exton Matthew, teamster.
Luther A. A.
L&hmann Bartley, butcher.
Lafferty Jesse, groom,
Lawson Murphy, teamster.
Lawson Mary A., confoetiouer.
Lattimore Joseph, mason.
Little R. B., merchant.
Linds iy Samuel,w agon maker.
Luther James M. 0,. cabinet-
maker.
*14
Laird Isaac, cooper.
Laird Martin, do
MAXWELL JAMES, teamster.
Matlock William L., plas-
terer.
Miller Andrew, jeweler.
Miller James W.,
Minner John W., ambrotypist.
Monroe Wuliam.
Morrcw John B., teamster.
Murphy William P., lawyer.
Murphy David.
Murphy John Calvin.
Maxwell Thomas C, farmer.
McMillan William H., farmer.
McLain Theron, carpenter.
McLain Daniel, do
McCutcheon John M., express-
man.
McCandless James F.
McCormack John W., blacksmith.
McCormack Matthew 8., mer-
chant.
McCormack William, inn keeper.
McCormack Hugh C, merchant.
McClurkcn Thomas, factory mer-
chant.
McClurken Matthew, farmer.
McD< nald Robert.
Mc T 11 Robert.
McOill Thomas, printer.
Mclienry Joseph, merchant.
He Henry Robert, M., teacher.
McHenry Francis.
McKay -lohu L., tailor.
McMillan John R., teamster.
M.-D.mald Marshall, do
NEWSON ARCHIBALD.
Newman Augustus, barber.
Neill Samuel, harness maker.
Neill John, blacksmith.
Naylor Presley.
RR THOMAS A. K., butcher
and tep *Mster.
1G2 RANDOLPH COUNTT
Hi ^ Hi
I SELECT SWM
DRY-GOODS,
Ulh
'9
HARDWARE,
C^TJEJE! JXT SW -^ JFL3E3,
AND
>^^ *Ja*ib wW @Ca e^-# ^L;# g
HATS AND CAPS,
BOOTS AND SHOES,
Kept constantly on Imnd hy ilio undersigned,
MAIN STREET, SPARTA,
FOR SALE
CHEAPER THAN THE CHEAPEST.
All kinds of Product) will ho lukon in exi-hango for
r J(>ods nt Market prices.
J. B PARKS
DIRECTORY.
165
Orr Craton, blacksmith.
Osburn E. James, painter.
F-,
PATTESON ROBERT
keeps livery.
Parks James B., merchant.
Perkins Jeremiah C, keeps saloon
and variety store.
Perkins Ephraim, blacksmith.
Perkins Eli as, do
Pawel James, oculist.
Pyles Lucius, carpenter.
Palmer P. W., cooper.
R05B0R0UGH WILLIAM,
merchant.
Rosborough Robert, salesman.
Raybron Francis, blacksmith.
Rea William, teamster.
Rigdon David, keeps livery.
Rodent an Jlenry, merchant.
STEVENSON WILLIAM A.,
wagon maker.
Btonnant II. C, carpenter.
Stuart Jobn F., minister.
Spindle Edward J., laborer.
Sherlock Richard, teamster.
Smith Henry, tailor.
Stevenson William J., merchant.
Shannon John R.
Shannon James.
Shannon Moses F.
SUelley Alexander.
Skelley John, laborer.
Skelley William.
Skelley James, painter.
Simpson George, physician.
Shiner John, teamster.
Saunders James, carpenter.
Sanders Thomas, tinner.
Sanders George, wagon maker.
TAILOR JOHN, justice of the
peace.
Taylor James H., merchant.
Taylor Hugh C, do
Telfard William, shoemaker.
Treat Joseph, laborer.
Taylor James, di
WATSON JOHN", merchant.
Wood Sidney, carpenter.
Wilson Samuel.
Wilson Samuel, constable and
city marshal.
Wilson John A., postmaster anl
mayor.
Wilson William F.
Wise Daniel, salesman.
Wolfington P., laborer.
Whitim George, barrel manufac-
turer.
Watson .Tames, stone mason.
White Andrew J., cocper.
■VTONTZ JOHN, miller.
TOWNSHIP
BAIRI) SAMITEL P.. farmer.
Biird P., do
Beat tie, do
BeattieJ, M.. do
Becket A. G.. do
Blair John M., do
INGE « WEST.-
-SPARTA.
Blair J. H.,
farmer
Blair D,
do
Blair William.
do
Blair James,
do
Blair Alexander.
do
Blackmore.
184
RANDOLPH COUNTY
JOHN TAYLOR,
CITY Wmi% JUSTICE OF THE PEACE,
NOTARY PUBLIC;.
Will attend to collecting claims on commission or otherwise.
OFFICE ON BROADWAY, SPARTA, ILL.
Jurisdiction as Recorder in debt or damages, $500 00.
IVEjps, M. LA'WSOBT
Keeps constantly on hand Chocolate, Oysters, Crackers, Cheese,
Nuts of every kind, Tobacco, Cigars, Mackerel, Soap, Candles, Salt,
Tea, Brooms, Baskets, Toys, Hoop Skirts, and Notions, of every va-
riety, at her old stand on MAIN STREET, one door east of the
Shannon House,
SPARTA, ILLINOIS,
Where she hopes to receive a liberal share of public patronage.
PEOPLES SALOON,
Main Street, Sparta, Illinois,
J. O. PERKINS, Proprietor.
Dealer in all kinds of Confectionery ; Foreign and Domestic
Frnits ; Nuts, Oysters, and Sardines; Tobacco and Cigars; Fancy
Perfumery and Hair Oils. All descriptions of Family Oroceries, Ac.
Also, Ice Cream, Soda, and Refreshments.
FRANCIS B. ANDERSON,
ATTORNEY AID COUNSELOR AI LAW,
AND
SOLICITOR IN CHANCERY;
Will attend with fidelity and promptness to all business entrusted
to him, and connected either directly or indirectly with his profes-
sion, whether in the United States or elsewhere.
OFFICII ON MAIN STREET, SPARTA, ILLINOIS.
MRKCTOKY.
165
TOWNSHIP •, SOUTH, RANGE li WEST— SPARTA.
Bordfcl'n Andrew, fill 111*
Boyd William, do
Bovd Jamas J.. do
Boyd Robert. V., do
Boyd Samuel,, do
Boyd Thomas, do
Boyd David B., do
Boyd James, do
Brown Joseph Ji., do
Brown James M., do
Brown David. do
Brown Joseph Sr., do
Brown Henry B., do
Brown Charles E.. do
C CHANDLER NOEL, fanner.
; Chalmber3 Thomas A.
Chalmbers David.
Clendenin James II.. farmer.
Couch John, do
Cooper William, do
Cooper James A.. do
Coulter John, do
Crothers B. L., blacksmith.
Cunningham John R., farmer.
Cunningham James W., do
Cunningham George V., farmer
and teacher.
Cunningham Robert, farmer.
DIAL ISAAC, farmer.
Dillman John, far in t
Dickey George. do
Davver .!••'■ u, do
FELLERS JOHN G., farmei
Einley Francis, do
Foster William, do
Flakier William Sr.. do
Frazii" William Jr.. iln
GROSS ANDERSON, tarn
Gross George. Sr..
Gross George W.,
HENDEUHOFF PETER, far
mer.
llegens David W.. fanner.
Hood John, do
Hood Alexander. do
Houston John do
KELL JOHN F., farmer.
Kinny Alexander, farmer.
T EMMONS JACOB, farmer.
Li Lessley R. M.,
Lessley Alexander,
Lively A. P.,
Lively William,
Lively Turner.
Lochead J. M.,
Lvle Thomas.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
M ALONE JAMES, collier.
Mann John B., farmer.
Martin William, do
Mathews William. do
Miller John, do
Mirott John, wagonmaker.
Marrow William, farmer.
Marrow James (.'., do
Morris Ephrairu.
Morris. William -li
Morris Isaac.
Murphy A. B..
McAnu'llty James
<lo
do
do
II.. farmer.
McAtee John A.. do
McConaehie David, do
McDonald David. do
McDoland James H.. do
McDonald Levi, do
Me Daniel James, do
Me Dill N. B., do
McDill Archibald M., do
McDill David A., do
McGee James, do
McLaughlan Matthew, do
166 RANDOLPH COUNTY
N. H. BROWN,
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN
$hm$ mii Tttwm t
BROADWAY, SPARTA, ILL.
JAMES FARNAN,
jjjhpktatt and Jiitrpfltt,
Tenders his professional services to the citizens of
OEQoo on :ex*o£ic3Lxn7-«,;y\
FINLEY B. CROTHERS,
BLACKSMITH AND PLOWMAKER,
BROADWAY, SPARTA, ILL.
All work warranted, and his Plows not excelled by any.
8PAETA CITY.
J. S. DETRICH,
Dealer and manufacturer of all kinds of
Anl^Undortaker of Funerals in all its branches, Ac, Ac.
DIRECTORY.
167
TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST.— SPARTA.
McNeil William Sr., farmer.
McNeil William Jr., do
MjJHenry William, do
ORB TMOMAS, farmer.
Orr John,
Orr John P.,
PARKS JOHN, farmer.
Parks James G., farmer.
Parks A. W.,
Parks Alfred,
Parks John M.,
Barks Thomas A.,
Perkins George H.,
Pressly Samuel,
do
do
do
RITCHEY WILLIAM.
Robinan Frederick.
SINCLAIR ROBERT.
Stewart William.
TEMPLE DAVID, farmer
Temple John, do
Temple William, do
Townsand David, do
Toverea Arthor T., do
WEIR ROBERT Sr., farmer.
Weir James N., do
Weir Samuel T., do
Weir William, do
Weir Samuel, do
Weir James B., do
Weir John, do
Wilson Henry J., do
Wilson William F., farmer.
Wilson David, do
Wilson Martin W., do
Wolford Frederick, do
Wolford Daniel, do
Wolford George, do
Wright Stephen Sr., do
Wright Stephen Jr., do
Wylie Samuel M., do
Wylie John Sr., do
Wylie James G., do
YATES E., farmer,
Young William, farmer.
TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST.— SPARTA.
ANDERSON THOMAS, farmer.
Anderson J. A. P., do
Anderson Archie, do
Armour James C, do
B
LOCK ANDREW, farmer.
Block N. N., do
Borders M. W.,
Borders Jas. J.,
Borders Elias K.,
Boyle Thompson,
Boyle Adam,
Bolye James,
Burnett Wm.,
Burns Joseph,
farmer.
a
do
do
do
do
do
168 RANDOl.ril COUNTY
JEWELRY STORE.
A. MILLER
Keeps constantly on hand, at his old stand.
MAINE STREET, - - SPARTA, ILLINOIS,
A SELECT ASSORTMENT OF
m mk '^81 ; %» ^ 'Ira ^ ^
i
FANCY ARTICLES,
Which he offers to the pffcdic
CHEAP FOR CASH.
Kepairing Clocks and Watches done on short nor ice. in the
beet manner. ""&&
JOHN W. MINNER'S
AMBROTYPE, MMm> DAGUERREOTYPE,
A
*#
ptotajgrapltlc <Ialli|rj),
Keeps constantly on hand nil Photographic Material.
THREE DOORS "WEST OF PUBLIC SQUARE,
MAINE STREET, SPARTA, ILLINOIS.
H. R. GUTHRIE, M. D.,
OFFICE, BROAD STREET,
SPARTA, tlLCNQt9 %
DIRECTORY.
169
TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH. RANGE 6- WEST.— SPARTA.
CAMPBELL JOHN, farmer.
Campbell Thos., do
Cathcart Wm. J. S., do
Cathcart Richard, do
Cathcart R. B., do
Cathcart C. M., do
Cathcart James, do
Cathcart John, do
Chassells A. M., do
Christy Jas., do
Crawford Win., do
Cuthbertson Alex., do
Cuthbertson Robert, Jo
DANLEY THOMAS, farmer.
Dunn William M., do
Dunn James W., do
n iuin T ohn, do
EDGAR A. J., farmer.
Edgar W. M., farmer
Edgar R. M., do
Edgar James, do
Edgar William S., do
Ewmg Samuel, do
Ewing John, do
FULTON JAMES, farmer.
Finley William, do
Finley Thomas, do
Finley James, do
Finiey Matthew, do
Fawlds James, do
Fulton William, do
GREER HUGH, farmer.
Gregg Samuel, do
Gray R. W.. do
Grav A. F.. do
15
HARWELL J. '.'., farmer.
Hemphill Matthew, farmer.
Hetherington George, do
Hetherington James, do
Houston William, do
Houston William, do
"OHNSON WILLIAM, farmer.
KEYS JOSEPH, farmer.
Kilpatrick John, farmer.
Kirk wood Robert, do
Kirk wood Matthew, do
LESLIE SAMUEL, farmer.
Lackey William, do
Leslie M. M., do
Lindsay John H., do
Lindsay Thomas B., do
Little William, tic
Little William C, 4o>
Lightbody R. W., dm
Lynn Joseph, do
Lynn William R., do
Lynn John, do
Lyons R. W., do
Lyons G., do
MARSHALL R. W., physician.
Marshall J. J., farmer.
Marshall Adam, teacher.
Matthews Joseph B., farmer.
Matthews James, do
Meek Samuel J. B.. do
Meek William. do
Morrison Robert, do
Murphv James H., do
McBride A., do
McBridc John, do
Mi-Clinton James, do
170
RANDOLPH COUNTY
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DIRECTORY.
171
TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST.— SPARTA.
McClinton William, 'armer.
McHatton. Armour, do
Mclntyre John, do
Mcllvain A... do
McKelvey Alex. R., do
McKelvey S. W., do
McMasters James. do
McMillan .James H.. do
McMillan William T do
McMurdo John, do
McMurdo William, do
pATTERSON R.
L.. farmer.
RANKIN ROBERT, farmer.
Redpath R., do
Redpath James K., do
Ritchey James M., farmer and
coal merchant.
Ritchey Robert J., farmer.
Rieddle Joseph, ' do
Rodgers Samuel J., do
Rodgera A., do
Rodgers W., do
Rutherford William, do
Rutherford Robert, do
SCHR1DER HENRY Rev.
Short Thomas, farmer.
Smith Moore Jr. do
Smith James C, do
Smiley James, do
Stevenson Michael Sr., farmer
TEMPLE ROBERT, farmer.
Toverea Bartley, do
Tweede Hugh, do
Tweede David, do
Tweede John, do
WALKER JAMES, farmer.
Walker William, do
Wallace James, do
Welsh James, do
White Francis, do
Wilson Hugh, do
Wood William, io
Wylie John, do
Wylie Alex., do
Wylie Robert C, do
VEOMAN DAVID, farmer
172
RANDOLPH COUNTY
J. A. FOSTER,
Sparta, 111.
DEALER IN
/ J^Xj ^j \^| s^jjf ^z $%jj sie^ ^
HATS, CAPS, BOOTS, SHOES,
GROCERIES, QUEENSWARE, HARDWARE, NAILS, IRON.
O-IjASS,
FARMING ITEII18, READY-MADE ClfflMffli;
In short, a general assortment of Merchandise, suitable to the wants
of the consumer — all of which are offered at the lowest prices. Tin'
public are invited to examine.
JOHN E. DETRICH,
Main Street, Sparta, Illinois.
]>K,VL.TdTR IN
DRY- GOODS,
3E3L" ArL3DX\T-A.riEJ,
QUWARE, GLASSWAKE, BOOTS AID SHOES,
HATS AND CAPS,
CLOTHING, GROCERIES, TOBACCO.
And all kinds of Merchandise suited to the wants of the trade gen-
erally.
DIRECTORY. 173
TO THE FARMERS
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS.
SPARTA
Wflflfet f *tf**g»
I have made large additions to my Factory, of new
And am manufacturing and will keep a large stock at
all seasons, of the following Goods, manufactured by
me with special reference, to durability :
SlTlllfS, CASSIMERES,
INDIGO BLUE AND MIXED
JEANS,
BED-BLANKETS,
PLAID, ID, PLAIN MREO k WHITE MEIS,
KNOTTING
AND SINGLE YARNS OK ALL SIZKS.
Custom Carding and Spinning, Fulling, Coloring,
and Finishing, done on short notice. Persons from a
distance always accommodated at the time they bring
their Wool.
THOS. McCLTJRKEN.
N. B. — Wool and Grease wanted in exchange.
*15
174
RANDOLPH COUNTY
WM. ROSBOROUGH 8c CO ,
SPARTA, BLLI^OiS.
THE OLDEST HOUSE IN THE COUNTY,
ESTABLISHED IN THE YEAR 1835.
Have always on hand the largest and most com-
plete Stock of
CLOTHING,
$
GROCERIES,
3EX A. Y^ ID "\*T j9l n ES,
HATS AND CAPS,
BOOTS AND SHOES, &C, &C,
That is offered in the market, to which they invite the
attention of
Lilli IliU.
SPARTA, October, 1859
DIRECTORY. 175
3» ifii 3ft
NEW LIVERY STABLE.
BARTLEY TOVERA
Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Sparta and vicinity,
that he has opeuod a new and splendid Stable on
ST. LOUIS STREET, SPARTA, ILLINOIS,
Where lie will keep constantly on hand
SADDLE AND BUGGY HORSES,
OPEN AND TOP BUGGIES,
Of the best quality: and will accommodate all who may favor him
with their custom on more reasonable terms than ever offered in the
city. He hones, by strict attention to hia business, to merit a liberal
xhare of public patronage.
M. G. GORSUCH, M. D.,
SPARTA, ILLINOIS.
DEALER IN
DRUGS, MEDICINES, & CHEMICALS,
DYE-WOOBS AND DYE-STUFFS,
QIL§ t PAINTS, AN Q PAINTERS' ARTICLES,
Window g»lx££ and Vuttii, §>\umvuu,
FRENCH, EMU, ill AMERICAN PERFIW.
Fine Toilet anil Shaving Soaps, fine Hair and Tooth Brushes,
Paint Brushes. Surgical and Dental Instruments, Spices, Snuffs,
Manufactured Tobacco ; all the Patent Medicines of the day ; Pure
Wines and Brandies, for medicinal purposes; Choice Toilet and
Fancv Articles, etc., etc.
170 RANDOLPH COUNTY
SPARTA & CHESTER
SPARTA. ATHENS, BELLEVILLE,
A1UD
St. Louis Daily Mail and
PASSENGER COACH LINE.
Having secured a Daily Mail Contract between the above points,
I have established a Daily Coach Line for the accommodation of the
traveling public — leaving Sparta every morning (Sundays excepted)
at 6 o'clock, A. M., for Chester : returning, leaves Chester every day
(Sundays excepted) at 2, P. M., arriving in Sparta the same even-
ing ; leaving Sparta for Athens, Belleville, and St. Louis, every
morning, (Sundays excepted,) at A. M., arriving at St. Louis the
same evening ; leaving St. Louis every morning at 6 A. M. from No.
60 Collins street, King's Hotel, the Post Office, Green Tree Tavern,
arriving at Sparta on the same evening.
I ALSO RUN THE
BUCKEYE BftY
FREIGHT & EXPRESS WAGONS
On the above routes, and will carry Freight at usual rates with
promptness and safety, between any of the above points. I will also
attend to Express Business of any kind, to any part of the United
8tates or Europe. Packages or money forwarded to any part of the
world having Express connections. Will buy and sell Drafts and
Bills of ExchaDge on any part of the world. Will also attend to
making collection of notes and accounts. Business of any kind en-
trusted to my care will be faithfully and promptly attended to.
Orders respectfully solicited. I can be seen Wednesdays and Thurs-
days, at No. 66, Collins' street, and Saturdays and Mondays at my
office in Sparta.
JOHN M. McCUTCHEON.
DIRECTOR 1. 177
1839. I860,
FALL AND WINTER STOCK.
J". c*3 H.. HOOD,
WHOLESALE AND ROAU MERCHANTS,
Broadway, Sparta, 111.,
Have received, direct from the East, a large, splendid, and carefully
selected Stock of
FALL & WINTER GOODS.
Our Stock consists in part of a large and most fashionable
Stock of
GENTLEMEN AND YOUTH'S- CLOTHING AND FURNISHING GOODS,
All of which they warrant to fit, or no sale. Also, Black, Brown, and
Drab Cloths, Doe Skins, Casinetts, Cassimeres,
BLACK, FANCY, AND FIGURED SILKS,
Alpaccas, Delai, s, French, English, and American Prints, Ging-
hams, Ribbons, D»2ss Trimmings, Lace, Notions, Shawls, Mantillas,
Hats and Caps, Boots and Shoes, Hardware, Cutlery, Glassware,
Queensware, and a full Stock of Groceries. The highest market
price paid for merchantable produce.
NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS.
McHENRY & WATSON,
Cor. of Broad & McMillan Streets, Sparta, 111.,
Are now receiving and opening a large and attractive Stock of
Goods from the East, which, for variety and beauty of style, are
unsurpassed. Our Stock consists of
DRY GOODS,
OLOTHI3STG-,
HATS AND CAPS,
BOOTS AND SHOES,
HARDWARE,
QUEENSWARE AND GROCERIES.
We invite all persons coming to trade in Sparta to give us a call
and examine our prices. To cash and produce customers, we offer
liberal inducements.
178
UANHOl.l'U COUNTY DIRECTORY.
WAG OB, t&iii.4il, Silfif
PL01 iVIttillFACTORY,
EDEN,
ILLINOIS.
The underesignecl having ])iu in operation a STEAM
EXCiJXK tor <lri viiii;- the machinery in his shop, is now
prepare! tot manufacture
WAGOrn,
CARRIAGES,
BUGGIES,
PLOWS,
And all kinds of
gigrittttltnral Jmjjlementjj,
On short notice. In the manufacture of these articles
the very best material is used, and durability is guar-
anteed. Only workmen of
SUPERIOR SKILL m EXPERIENCE
are employed. My facilities for manufacturing will
enable me to suppl}* the larger portion of
SOUTHERN 1 IIjLINOIS.
A. H. BURLINGHAMB.
EDEN
Rev. Samuel Wyi.ik purchased and located upon the
site of Eden, in the year 1822-3. Sometime afterwards,
Adam Wylie and James Fokd located in the place. At
that time there were but few settlers in thft, adjacent
country, and the idea of making a town pro&rfbly had
not entered into the minds of the proprietors. Rev.
Mr. Wylie had collected together a congregation of his
church, and held public services in a house down near
where the grave yard is. As the immigrants came in-
to the county, they were induced to settle around this
place, in order to enjoy the privileges of the church.
The congregation, therefore, increased as rapidly as the
country was settled. About the year 1833, the spacious
brick church in which Mr. Wylie's congregation still
worship was erected. This was the beginning of the
town. About the same time the congregation suffered
a division, and the seceding portion erected another
large church in three years afterwards. Two spacious
churches and a few dwellings around them now stood
upon the beautiful little mound in the prairie, and sug-
gested to the proprietor, who appreciated the beautiful,
the idea of building a town, which should be called
Eden. It was then the closest type of Eden of any
spot in Illinois.
180 RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY.
In the year 1887, a portion of the land was surveyed
into town lots, and but a short time afterwards Eden
contained a store, oil mill, carding machine, foundry
and machine shop, and many other town fixtures. Its
churches and its shops have constituted the chief ma-
terials of interest, and given the character of a relig-
ious, moral, intelligent and industrious people to its
inhabitants. The firs*, wagon shop in Eden was estab-
lished in 1839, by W. E. B&own. Since then several
others have gone into operation. For many years the
shops of Eden have supplied a large portion of the
southern part of Illinois with wagons carriages and
plows.
Eev. Aa3iuel Wylie, who is the founder of the place,
first ca»t? to Kaskaskia in 1817, and was the first man
in Illinois to give form and stability to the Eeformed
Presbyterian Church. For more than forty years he
has proclaimed the words of truth and life to the people
of his church. He alone. of the pioneer ministers who
appeared in Illinois previous to 1818, is living. He is a
distinguished light in the church, and a faithful gospel
minister.
Eden now contains a population of about three hun-
dred; has one dry goods store; four wagon shops; one
carriage and plow manufactory; one school house; one
literary society, with a large library; a saddlery shop,
and some other town appendages.
EDEN DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— EDEN.
ADAMS G. K., farmer.
Alexander Ebenezcr, farmer.
Anderson John A. H., do
Anderson James B., do
Alexander Walter, nurseryman.
Armour A.
BERGFELDT W., farmer.
Bates Joseph C, blacksmith.
Banister Oliver, farmer.
Banister Jesse, do
Beattie Joseph, do
Beattie Robert, do
Bottom Luke, merchant.
Brooks Robert, farmer.
Brown George, do
Brown Hugh, do
Brown W. R., lumber merchant.
Brown Lemuel A. C., tinner.
Burns Samuel, manufacturer.
Burlinghame A. H., carriage and
wagon manufacturer.
Beattie James, fanner.
Bottom James, blacksmith.
CALLIGHEN JOHN, mechanic.
Campbell James, farmer.
Campbell J. B. Rev., painter.
Campbell William., farmer. '
Campbell !!<v.rge. do
Campbell Johu! do
16
Calvin John, blacksmith.
Cruthers F. R., ploughmaker.
Crums Adin.
Curti3 Augustus, farmer.
DOBBINS THEODORE A., far-
mer.
Dobbs Richard, farmer.
Dickey John, do
Dickey Alexander S., wagon-
maker.
Dickson Charles.
Dickey Alexander, farmer.
Dickey, do
T^NOS JAMES, farmer.
FLACK J. J., farmer.
Foster A. W., farmer.
Fulton David, do
Fulton John, do
GALLOWAY JAMES, farmer.
Gaston Samuel, do
j Gaston James, blacksmith.
1 Gault H. 0.
18l> RANIiOl.l'H COVNTY
^3L CARD.
P B. GAULT. C. B. MULT.
P. B. & C. M GAULT,
MANUFACTURERS OF
mm, smies, ki e,
:eh>t3jst, - - - HjIjInois.
This firm has invariably taken the ""BLUE KlJi-
]iON," at the County Kair, on Bii«£ui< *, whenever they
have exhibited.
Orders solicited, and liiled on short notice. Our
work is warranted.
JOHN MICHAN,
gUtorneti and ^mmsetor
AT LAW,
EDEN, - ILLINOIS.
THOMAS ftELSOft,
EDEN, ILLINOIS,
Has Dahlias, Hoses. Tulips. Hyacinths, Bulbs, locen-
houde Plants, and Shrubbery.
ftav' Seeds k 1 1 < » \ v n to he ifenn'ine, can he fl-tained
from uie.
MUKCTuKY.
183
TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE o WEST.— EDEN.
Ganlt 1'. R. wagunittaker.
Gault ('. M.. " do
Gordon William ('. Sr., farmer.
Gordon William ('. Jr., do
Gordon A. J., do
Gordon John R., do
Ga.iL<oi Robert, wagmmaker.
HARRlS.'iN G. W.. farmer.
Hall It. I., do
Hill Edmund, do
Hood Joseph, do
Hughes John M.. do
Hyndemau (J. b\, carpenter.
Holden 11. L., blaek&inith.
KAVANACG H DAVID, wagon-
maker.
Kvlc It. J.
LEWIS JOHN.
Lewis I'Mward.
Lucas A., fanner.
Lylo Jame<. farmer,
Lewis Prank.
Lewis Abram.
MILLS STEVEN.
Maxw-dl Thomas C, farmer.
Maxwell John.
Miller Charles R., do
More John, e,i rpen(er.
Michael J., farmer.
Mcf'orni lek J., farmer.
MeCormaek M., do
McConeehie David, farmer.
McCoughan John, do
McCIiu ton John, do
McMillan W. II., do
McKee Alexander, do
McKee R. C. do
McKee William, farmer.
McKee J. 0., do
McOonac.hic John, do
McMillan Milton, do
N
IMOCK SAMUEL, cabinet
Nels;.n Thomas, florist.
Nisbet Samuel T., farmer.
Nisbet Robert, do
Nisbet Samuel, do
Nisbofc James, painter.
T)ARKER PETER.
JL Pattan Joseph, farmer.
Fillers P. W., do
R0BIJ1N8 CHARLES, farmer.
Robison Richard, do
Kos borough .lames. do
Uubison John S., do
SHEEWSREERV BENEDICT,
farmer.
Snodgrass Reuben, farmer.
Snodgrass Rilan, do
Snodgrnss Robert, do
Stuart Alexander. do
Stuart Jame.*,
Steele. Merit.
Steele Martin.
Steele Anthony,
Stevenson Robe
Stevenson Mie"!
Stevenson John,
Steele Albert.
Stevenson Robert Jr., wagon-
maker.
Stevenson Allen, blacksmith.
do
do
do
do
i Sr., merchant.
iel, Jr.. eaddler.
merchant.
184
HAND01.PH COUNTV J;IUI.< T< IB V.
TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE :, WEST. -EDEN
TTALENTINE JAMES II.
WATTRICIIARD, merchant.
Ward Josiah, farmer.
Wilson John, do
Wilson John, (Irish) do
Wilson James R., do
Wilson James C, do
Wylie Samuel Ry\ .
Ward Uyly, farinor;
Wilson Wilson, d<.
Wilson M. W.. do
Wilson Joseph, do
r/UMBRO GEORGE, carpenter
RED BUD.
This thriving town is situated upon a gradually
rising eminence in Horse Prairie, near the line which
divides the counties of Monroe and Randolph. Its
history embraces no events of early times to give it
the interest of antiquity, its origin dating no farther
back than the year 1844. The first house upon the
ground where the town now stands was erected in that
year by Mr. Richmond D. Durfee. The year after
he built a storehouse and commenced selling goods.
About the same time Samuel Crozier erected a dwel-
ling, which at that time occupied a position to the south
of where the town afterwards stood, but it is now
nearly surrounded with houses.
In the year 1847, William Simmons, who owned a
part of tho town site, had his land surveyed into town
lots, and proceeded to dispose of them at public auction.
Tho year after, Mr. Durfee had his land surveyed and
.made another public sale. Such was the encourao-e-
merit received from these two sales that Samuel Cro-
zier brought his land into market, and found ready
and anxious purchasers. About the same time a flour-
ing mill Avas erected and put in operation a little to
the northeast of town, which is doing business yet.
*16
186 RANDOLPH COUNTY
From this time tho town commenced a rapid and
successful improvement. The first brick building was
the school house, erected in 1853, since which time bricks
have beon used almost exclusively for building material
Soon afterwards followed the erection of a large mer-
chant mill within the limits of the town, whose capacity
for grinding is about two hundred and fifty barrels of
flour per day. This gave an additional impetus to tho
business prosperity of the place, and not long after-
wards there arose the spacious storehouse of Durfee
& Crozier, a row of brick buildings covering a largo
portion of a block, a large brick brewery, and many
other buildings of note and importance. There is now
in process of construction a large hotel, tho cost of
which will amount to §12,000, and a large storehouse
by Smith, Allen & Co., which will be an ornament to
the town.
Though the growth of the place has been marked bj
a rapidity which seldom attends the progress of inland
towns, it has not gone in advance of the surrounding
country, from which it draws its commercial vitality,
As a fanning region, Horse Prairie and it> margin of
undulating timbered land, are unsurpassed in beauty
and fertility.
Tho immense crops of wheat, corn, hay, and pota-
toes, harvested from the farms in this prairie, would
put to a severe test the credulity of the toiling farmer
who gathers his eight and ten bushels per acre from
the stony hill sides of New England. Among the far-
mers around Red Bud arc to be found the most indus-
trious, enterprising and wealthy in tho county. In this
fact lies the secret of Red Bud's pi'osperity. Every
inland town depends upon the progress and advancement
of the country around for its own prosperity. The pros-
DIRECTORY. 187
porou. ito of the surrounding country may, therefore,
be inferred from the amount of business done in Red Bud.
There are five dry goods stores; six grocery stores;
two flouring mills; two lumber yards; six merchant
tailors; one drug store; one brewery; one livery sta-
ble ; five boot and shoe shops ; three blacksmith shops;
three wagon manufactories ; one saddlery and harness
shop; four hotels; two brick yards; four carpenter
shops; three cabinet shops ; three tin shops; one jew-
elry store; one ambrotype gallery; one high school
supported by the town, independent of the public
revenue.
188 RANDOLril COUNTY PIRKCTORY.
HEAVY STOCK.
R D DURFEE & CO.,
At tlic old stand of Durfkb & Crozier, continue to
kocp tlic
And sell at lower prices than any other House in South-
ern Illinois. We would say to our friends in
MOM, RA^DOLFH, AND ST. CLAIR COUNTIES,
Fetch on your dimes, and we promise to satisfy you in
STYLE, QUALETX AN© PRCGi.
We have always undersold our competitors, and are
now trying to undersell ourselves.
RED BXJ13, October.
nTsMITH. ~ R. J. SMITH. J. R. ALLEN.
SMITH, ALLEN & CO.,
DEALERS IX
iEKOODS, IR01IBIIS,
HARDWARE, CUTLERY, &C, &C.
N. W. CORNER MAIN AND MARKET STREETS.
SED B0D ? ILLINOIS^
■— *
AGENT FOR /ETNA INSURANCE CO.,
Office near Residence, £n
RED BUD, ILLINOIS.
11ED BUD DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— BED BUD.
AUiERS J. T., merchant.
A Hon J. R., postmaster.
A i ii'n Miner, farmer.
Allen .). \V., notary public.
' ililaiuti J. R., fanner and justice
• i he peace.
* !ln •••lit M., plasterer.
^ li'innu Adam, butcher.
HKUESrfON EARNST, fanner.
Bcresson William, do
B.-slerbortol Fred, do
Hill'.ir (icor'*o. do
Hurtles C. V.. do
Barker Minor, carpenter.
Barker D. M., do
BiHHr II ■•nrv, do
Rlu W.. teamster.
Horn John, blacksmith.
Rngo Henry, laborer.
Bauer Monrv, fanner.
Bad.-i Frederick, i! >
:im, do
do
"",- laborer.
Rrr- -■■ W I
B,m Ij.i
Hr.v 1 i„ ,, :
Brim ■■ ■ J..li
..per.
Bricky William, lumber mer-
chant.
Broekmin J. P., shoemaker.
Bosse Antony, fanner.
Burgo Louis, do
Boelioff G., merchant.
Boergherting Henry, laborer.
Bush Fred., teamster.
Bush John, laborer.
Brasso Henry, farmer.
Brickey John, miller.
Brown E. S.. laborer.
CTiARK REUBEN, farmer.
(Mine Wm., do
Conoly John, teamster.
Conoly Charles, do
Coleman Henry, lawyer.
Crozicr J. L., farmer.
Cullin Kil Timorty, farmer.
Cardwell W. J., doctor.
Crocker James. principal of high
school.
Crouda Josei.b, carpenter.
D0N01I0 MICHAEL, farmer.
Detordiu*' Fred., wason-
maker.
De.il..... I William, druggist.
Dono . ■■ .• John, fji rnter.
Deaker William, d 1
Durice I!. 0., merchant.
Davis E. R., do
Durlei- Aaron, re! ired.
Doo] v Michael, laborer.
"filBERDING CONRAD, farmer.
lli Eppers J. W., barkeeper.
IOisse Frederick, cabinetmaker.
E herding Henry, farmer.
19U
RANI <'|.| || coi'M V
TOWNSHIP i SOUTH, RASGK 8 WEST.— BED BUD.
E V : 1 1 1 j hi: • ■ i . . . i :
Eli- ('I,.! .i mill-
K.l. U ,.i. I .-,.. .
]•:■;.• r. i ;..•.- n . '■ ' :
lit!:.
Iai.ANJGAX J< 'II N limner.
1 KiilH-i-tv Mary do
FeilTSfi-ill Li 'ill']' T W :slflt-
llllll
Faln-m !■: '.v.- ■•!. furnuv.
J-' in!i I'luir!*.!-. ilu
Eric] Hiiir'i. l-nrl i ejw v.
Fnivsidi- I :•• <\ .. Uv.rnster.
G^l KS'J J No ii KXriY. runner.
J (JuJ)iMt Krod., do
Gilbert Wiliiaiu. do
Gilbert Charles, do
Guru C. <j.. constable.
GleiK-r J ill. a, fanner.
Guinmol IJi»nry, cabinetmnkc
GeisHiunun Heurv, teamster.
Gettli'iiiiii] C4oor««. 1'iirmor.
Green A. N., tinner.
Guborl Henry, farmer.
Gilbert < liri-L., ilu
Grittin JI- It., school tieeher.
HENNA FRED., whool teacher.
HiirriHim Ii. c. do do
Hank J. P., [Mint 'T.
Hinesem August,, i: .'• aetmnkcr.
Hulli Charles, labour.
Until August, do
Haiti' Joseph, carpenter.
Ilea (era in (icorge, cnrjiniitcr.
Heuer William, tailor.
Heuer Henry, brick mason.
Helb'ck Jiilin, do do
Heigh' Antony, do do
Hath Mathia, farmer.
Henieker Fred., miller.
Hubi r Peter, farmer.
ITnnk M inc. famicr.
II ii._' .. t - = ■ 1 1 William, tanner.
Jli.iinl.iili I i, ii„ ilu
Hank" 1 I 'i ..nl... - .■■!,!■ cutter.
Iteming \\ ilii'am, bi tel keeper.
I Luynea 0. K.. do do
lleirly Tbeodorc, n. ne cutter.
H< f •). C ear] i nU-r.
JA1ILE ( URISTIAN, ehoe-
mal'i r.
Jable Pari; jhoemok. r.
Jnhle •''•-• |'ii. dn
KUK.EK HENRI', farmer.
Kuker Fred., do
Keefcr Antony, stone mason.
Roister Charles, Farmer.
Kliue John, tailor.
Koch Henry do
Klepper Henry, carpenter.
Elcpper William, do
Kreamer Charli ?, farmer.
KochDeitrieh do
Knoka Charles, do
I KIUTY NICHOLAS, teamster.
1j bind ess Casper, blacksmith.
Leifor Conrad, fanner.
Leiler Fred., do
Lin'ner Phillip, do
Lohman August, do
Lohman Fred., do
Longitin Henry, do
Lipkiuian Fred . do
LeiferDcdorich, do
Liddv. Tiinodi v. do
MeCAN HUGH, farmer.
McCan, Patrick, farmer.
Mann Christian, do
DIRECTORY.
191
TOWNSHIP I SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— RED BUD.
Mohr J. C, barkeeper.
Mohrs Henry, farmer.
Mohrs Fred., farmer.
McBride Isaac, farmrr.
McBride 'J. T., do
McBride T. J., do
Minholhy Charles, brickmason.
NAGEL C. II., briekmason.
Nagel Earnest do
Nearger Fred., do
Nelson Isaac, do
Nelson William, d<>
OWEN. Levi, briekmason.
Owen C. C, do
Outen William, do
Outen, do
Offerding Daniel, hotel keeper.
Ortgeison Gehard, shoemaker.
Ohlwien David, farmer.
Owen W'illiain, do
Obst Ferdinand, carpenter.
pAKROT PETER, I'irmei
X Parrot Louis, do
Peach John. do
Peurggroth Fred.. do
Pelzer Louis, do
Prowsc William. do
Poetonrt. N-. M. D..
RALES J. .t li.. farmers.
Ralls William, fanner.
Ralls John. do
Rail John, lio
Rail Louis. do
Rathut Charles, carpenter.
Ratlnit William, plasterer.
Ronnerberger F.. farmer.
Rinehardt Chariot, shoemaker.
Ruhnkorf Conrad, laborer.
R ii hnkorf Henry, wagonniaker.
Ritter Henry, blacksmith.
Raker Fred. Sr., carpenter.
Ruker Fred. Jr., farmer.
Re.sse Fred., carpenter.
Roscon James, farmer.
Ronald Earnst, do
Ronald Conrad, do
Ronald Fred., ilo
Rolljjink Fred., do
Rose Joseph, cai penler.
Roscnmier Fred., do
Robbing Wm. S., teamster.
Ruppol Leonard, butcher.
Reil v Adam, clerk.
QCHRJEBER CHARLES, Jr.,
IO merchant.
Schrieber Charles, Sr., farmer.
Schrieber F., Sr., do
Schrieber F., Jr.
Saxonmier George, saddler.
Shatter Fred . !al»oiv,r.
Shintbeln Margaret, farmer.
Sinook August, farmer.
Snook William, do
Shr.idor Coi
Short .1
Small Davi<
io
do
Smith Hem
Smith (Vnr:
Smith N.. i<
Smith R. ■!.
Smith Ltuu
V. i{'.l
d. do
^tic.u of pcue.i\
inorehant.
■nee. hotel keej
Simmons L 1
1 her, larmor.
Sinynons s.
Simmons il
Sipplc ChrL
Sippel Hem
L. do
Me., do
tian. carpenter.
v. fanner.
Salgor Earn
Salger Fred.
i. do
do
Sliger John
Stillborn IV
Smith H. 0.
do
•.I., do
do
Starnn Will
:u,i,do
Swim A"-" ;
-1. do
192
RANDOLPH COUNTY lntlKi'TOUV
TOWNSHIP t SOUTH. RANGE s WEST.— R KI) I'. I'D.
StOwir John. lawyer.
Snyder Christopher, bord* farrier
8a .Yank lleury. barber.
Seibert J. A.. ambrotypint
SeibertH., stone eatter.
Stineham Jacob, farmer.
Stineham Frank, do
Stumph Jacob, D. D.
Sturgeon J. R.. D. 1).
TAYLOR SPENCrJR, niillor.
Treaneiler Math i as, laborer.
Toiler WilliaTii. bulclier.
Tummel John, briiknmwn.
Tiiinuiel Fr.tiik. <lo
TTFFUMAN NOTi'I?
VOGES HO I1Y. Lcauiater.
Voges C-.ip-.-ni Si\. (firmer.
Voges Conrad .Jr., do
Vos9 Fred.. du
Veigbt William, M. D.
Vagely S., laborer.
WALKER FRED., farmer.
Wichiien A., do
Wichlien John L., do
Wiclilein John, gunsmith.
Weaver Daniel, farmer.
Weaver Peter, do
Wehrhiem Philip Sr., farmer.
Wehrheirn Philip Jr., do
Winegertnei Charles, carpenter.
Weber Jacob, do
Wundt Charles. M. D.
Wagoner Fred , w.igonmaker.
V/ipkiu Fred., farmer.
Wipkia August, do
Wilson James G., farmer.
Wilson Gilbert, do
Weiss Leonard, blacksmith.
Wilson R. &.. farmer.
Weiss Phil. i'i Adam, tailors
and shoemakers.
Y
EAGER AR rON V, farmer.
Young William, do
A. B. ACftEW, ¥*.
§hpii[ian and ^nrpon,
PRAIRIE DU ROCHER,
n.£iio.ca.cz>liDlx County, 171.
PRAIRIE DU ROGHER DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 9 WEST.— PRAIRIE DU ROCHER.
AGNEW A. B., physician.
Albert Antoine, farmer.
Atcher Charles, do
BACHELIER FRANK, mer-
chant.
Briekey Frank W., merchant
miller.
Bachelier Philibert, carpenter.
Barbeau Benjamin, farmer.
Barbeau Andrew Jr., do
Barbeau Henry, do
Barbeau John B., do
Barbeau Antoine,
Barbeau Baptiste,
Brown Matthew,
Barber Francis,
Bege Leurent,
Buyat Ambrose,
Benvenu Raynold,
Blandford Felix,
Blais Joseph,
Blais Thomas,
Boneau Pierre,
Brewer John Sr.,
Brewer George,
Brown Albion,
Blais Godfrey,
Blandheld Albert,
Blais Narcissus,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
pAVANAU L. D., farmer.
\J Chaudol Theophill, proprie-
tor of Union Hotel.
17
Chartreau Michael, farmer.
Cheoweth Gabriel.
Clark James, do
Connely James, do
Collegnor Joseph, do
Curat Alphonse, do
Carr Benjamin, laborer.
D
AVIS H. S., blacksmith.
Derouse Edward, farmer.
Delfry Maxemilion,
Danane Martin,
Danjan John,
Dorron Lesen,
Dorron Ferain,
Drawry Clement.
Drapan William,
Duelas Eugene,
Duelas Rosemond,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
GODAIR PIERRE, farmer.
Godair John B., do
j Godair Celerin, do
! Grevet Danis, do
, Grainner Johu B.. do
GuebertC, do
HARRIS GRAVAIS, farmer.
Harris Thomas, do
Hansbrough Elija do
Harestend Thomas, do
HayuesHosea, do
Henry William, justice of the
p '.!> ■ and ii' fcary public.
ifo ■-• Iv.limiud.
194
RANDOLPH COUNTY
TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 9 WEST.— PRAIRIE DU ROCHER.
JEFFRY W. M., physician.
Johnson John, tanner.
KERR HENRY, farmer.
Kerr John, merchant.
Kerr A., do
LACHAPELLE AMEDEE, far-
mer.
Langlois Francis, farmer.
Langlois Antoine, do
Levery Joseph, do
Levery Godlrey, do
Louviere John B., do
Louviere Henry, do
Louviere Ciprain, do
Louviere Baptiste, do
Lee A. H., merchant miller.
M
ANNING ISADORE, farmer.
Medeaf Edward,
Medeaf Charles B..
Miller William,
Mbase Solomon,
Mangen Prosper,
Mongen Francis,
Mudd Thomas L.,
Mudd Vincent,
Mudd Thomas,
Mudd James T.,
Montgomery Thomas L.,
McNabb Matthew,
McGee Augustus, saddler.
N
EAL JOSEPH, farmer.
0'
WEN CONSTANTINE, far-
mer.
Owen Croewell, farmer.
PERRAT FERDINAND, far-
mer.
Perrat Francis, farmer.
Phegly Jacob, do
PheglyJohn, do
Panpar Pelazie, do
Pairier Frederick, farmer.
ROBBINS WILLIAM.
Ray Ely A.
Ray Antoine.
Ray Adolphus.
Ray Ferdinand.
Ray Phelix,
SANTEAN JOHN B., farmer.
Shea Michael, do
Simmons Henry M., do
Skedmore H. M., do
Steinkop Frederick, Mason.
Sprigg, James D v merchant.
Sprigg John, do
Schrider, Dr., farmer.
THIBEAU ISRAEL, farmer.
Timpton Sias, do
Tuller John B. do
Thibeau Francis, do
W
ENTHER GEORGE, farmer.
TOWNSHIP i 3., RANGE 10 W., FR.— PRAIRIE DU ROCHER.
^NGLAND ROBERT.
-i Elliot Joseph, farmer.
G
ODAIR ALEXIS, fanner.
DIRECTORY.
195
TOWNSHIP 5 S.. RANGE in W., FR.— PRAIRIE DU ROCHER.
LANGLOI8 ETIENNE, C.
mer.
Louviere John N., farmer.
Louviere Eugene, do
Louviere Vital, do
Louviere Benjamin, do
fcr-
^lEARS S. S., commission mer-
chant.
WALDRON WILLIAM, far-
mer.
TOWNSHIP 7 P., RANGE 8 W., FR — I'KAIRIE DU ROCHER.
BIENVIENU FRANCIS E.
farmer.
Bienvienu Lewis, farmer.
CASSON ANTOINE B., farmer.
Casson Felix, do
Charlivillc Charles, do
Charliville Francois, do
DEROUSE JOSEPH T.. farmer.
Dobbs W. K., do
Dobbs Jonathan, do
Dobbs Richard, do
Doza Alexis. do
Doza William.
Dunis Antoine.
G
ENDROU LUKE.
>UJOL LOUIS P.
Planase Antoine.
THOMAS FULTON.
Thomas Matthew.
Thomas Plumer.
farmer,
do
196
KANDuLrii COUNTY DIRECTORY.
S. TURNER, JONES & CO,,
Ilavc in Store a carefully selected Stock of
^mjmmmmmmc
09
sr fsstii
f
Which they offer at
MY WW PRICES FOR CASH.
Attention is called to their Stock of
BOOTS AND SHOES,
Which will be found extensive, and of the best make
and material.
Are selected to answer the wishes of regular custo-
mers, and can be relied upon for quality.
*w Suli 'S '-SS '■'Si ''fill ; >8 IBji
CONSTANTLY KEPT IN STOEE.
Liberty, Illinois,
LIBERTY.
About thoyear 1805, John Hickman built a house in
front of tho present location of Liberty, on land which
has long since given place to the current of the river.
In 1806, Mr. Mansker, father of Samuel Mansker,
built a houso on the island opposite the town, and
opened a farm. Samuel Mansker built the first
house within the limits of the present town — the same
that is now occupied by Mr. Tuthill as a chair manu-
factory. The first store was established by James
McCormack.
In the year 1832, John Stearns, an emigrant from
Tennessee, purchased the land and laid off the upper
part of town into town lots. A sprightly improvement
followed, and the place rapidly assumed town propor-
tions. About the year 1836, Capt. W. B. Charles,
James Dean, Dr. Mannino, Harvey Clendenin,
Samuel Barber, Thomas Frazier, E. G-. Hall, Brew-
ster, and some others located in the town, and gave
it quite a start towards a high destiny. Mansker,
Clendenin & Barker established a store and carried
on a heavy business in buying and shipping grain. At
this time there was probably more corn shipped from
Liberty than from any other port in Randolph County.
Tho town was incorporated in 1837, and the local
*17
198 RANDOLPH COUNTY
government sot in motion. The first board of town
trustees consisted of William B. Charles, Nathaniel
Manning, John D. Stearns, John Stearns and Jacob
Parks. John Stearns was elected President, and
Harvey Ciendenin, Clerk.
The place maintained a gradual improvement until
about tho year 1842. From that period there was but
little progress until about four years ago. In 1855,
the enterprising citizens of the town and vicinity or-
ganized a joint stock association, and commenced the
erection of a large flouring mill. This was the signal
for other improvements, and during the next two years
a great many now houses were built. The mill was
completed and set in operation in 1856. It is of the
largest class of merchant mills, capable of producing
two hundred and fifty barrels of flour per day.
The town now contains five dry goods stores; two
grocery stores; one chair factory; one wagon shop;
two blacksmith shops; one boot and shoe shop; one
cooper shop; one hotel; three physicians; one school
house.
Liberty is ono of the largest wood markets on the
Mississippi river. About ten thousand dollars' worth of
wood is sold from her numerous yards annually.
A church was organized in Liberty, about the year
1844 by Rev. C. C. Riggs. Tho congregation usually
occupy the school house. Rev. B. II. Charles supplies
the pulpit occasionally.
Liberty is situated in tho southeast corner of Ran-
dolph County, upon a strip of level land, with the Mis-
sissippi in front and a range of. wild, cragged bluffs in
the rear. The river at this point is probably narrower
than at any other place between New Orleans and St.
Anthony Falls, measuring in an ordinary stage of
DIRECTORY. 199
water something less than four hundred yards. Tho
country surrounding Liberty is somewhat broken, and
heavily timbered. The soil on tho uplands is well
adapted to tho production of wheat, of which the far-
mers raise large quantities.
F|i ^sl fli
J. P. MANN,
Liberty, Illinois,
JONES' CREEK POST OFFICE.
Keeps on hand a large Stock of
HARDWARE, QUEENS WARE,
BOOTS AND SHOES,
HATS AND CAPS
MUG, WOODEN AND WILLOW WARE,
All of which he sells low to cash or prompt time pur-
chasers.
- - KANDOLPH COVJITY DIRECTORY.
3 BoCTH, RA>'>JE « WE>I.- LIBERTY
LP": ~ v BG LLOM, farmer
Law X I do
MINSK E R ] "
\\" iiMr.
V - v- - \> do
V- - --. "t. iO J,-,
>'- • "• A- " r \.- - r
B. N. BOND.
PHYSICIAN. SURGEON. AND ACCOUCHER,
gVANSVIllg, ILLrHQfS.
■ -
ILLE
y *■
i^~n. v. A3*
••M is t» Levi
^. ^ . i. — .
: .i- I",*:
I".: --- - -- ? =.71
.-- 7.
N ~-
204 RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY.
liam McNeal. The next year, 1840, William and
McKee O'Melvany brought to the town a stock of
dry goods and commenced merchandizing. At this
time the flourishing aspect of affairs induced the opin-
ion that Evansville must become a place of some busi-
ness importance, but under the heavy financial embar-
rassment which almost crushed out the energies of
western prosperity about this time, there was no more
improvement until the year 1847, when a new impetus
was given the town by Volien "Weiriiam, who erected
a store house and commenced selling goods. Other
acquisitions were made to the town as time passed
along. In 1*54, Jonathan Chetsnutwood, from Ohio,
came to tho place and established a dry goods store.
Soon afterwards came David Hartzell, the now busi-
ness partner of Chestnut wood. The same year Evans
& Weiriiam erected and put in operation a steam flour-
ing mill. In 1857 Wundsbliok erected a brewery, in
which is brewed the celebrated "Evansviile Beer."
The growth of the place thus far has depended upon
the improvement of the country around it, — but the
successful navigation of the Kaskaskia river, during the
past season, is giving advantages to the place which
will create much improvement. In addition to what
has been mentioned the town com tains two wagon
manufactories; two blacksmith shops ; five cooper and
one saddlery shop ; two hotels; two physicians; sev-
eral carpenters and masons; one tailor; a good school
house in which a permanent school is kept by James
A. J. Martin. Ferry kept by James Walsh.
Tho Methodist denomination have two church organ-
izations — Bngliah and German — both organized in 1858.
Taylor preaches for the former. Baah for the latter.
Catholics, are building a house of vrorship.
EVANSVILLE DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— EVANSVILLE.
A NDERSON JAMES P.
BERTH A.L MICHAEL, farmer.
Bart John, farmer.
Blais E., do
Braise Henry, do
Braise Frederick, farmer.
Bruzer Lewis,
Brown John,
Brown George T.,
Brewer Felix,
Brewer Thomas,
Butler Thomas,
do
do
do
do
do
do
Bond B. N., physician.
CAMPBELL ARCHIBALD, far-
mer.
Carroll Martin, farmer.
Clase John W., do
Crorgon James, do
Chestnutwood J., merchant.
DEGNER FREDERICK, far-
mer.
Derouse Phillip, farmer.
Divers Andrew, do
Dawling Michael, do
Douglas G. W., do
Douglas John A., farmer and jus-
tice of the Peace.
18
ECCLES EDMUND, grocer.
Evans William, farmer.
FAIIARTY MANNS, farmer.
Flawlcy Michael, do
Flam Gasper, do
GUEBLE JOHN, farmer.
Giberding Debrich, farmer.
Gross Nicholas, do
HASEMIRRER LATTIS, far-
mer.
Hannaman Henry, farmer.
Hannibutt Charles, do
Hannibutt Frederick Jr., farmer.
Hermiss Phillip, do .
Hindmann Frederick, do
Haman Rudd, do
Hopka Henry, do
Horrel Benedict, do
Horrel Benedict J., do
Horrel Cornelius, do
Horrel John M., do
Horrel Francis E., do
Horrel Thomas L., do
Hull James, do
Harstead John, do
Hartzell David, merchant.
206
RANDOLPH COUNTY
TOWN8HIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— EVANSVILLE.
TEFFRY C
farmer.
KERSTOB JEENRY, farmer.
Knott Killery, do
Kucker Frederick H., do
Eucker William, do
M
ARTIN JAMES A. J., teacher.
Marlin Fleetwood, farmer.
Mitchell Robert,
Mudd Henry,
Mudcl Francis,
Mudd Charles,
Mudd John,
Murphy Michael,
McCraw John,
McCann James,
McDermot James,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
HARRA JAMES.
Ohmes Charles.
PAULTER JOSEPH 8r.
Paulter Joseph Jr.
Paultcr Paul.
RABE DEDERICK, farmer.
Ready Edward, do
Runger Frederick, do
s
IMPSON JOHN C, farmer.
Simpson H. D., do
Simpson Thomas A., do
Simpson James D., do
Simpson Thomas L., do
Smith Lyman, do
Skeudmore A. G., do
Stiffens Otto, do
TILLMAN FREDERICK.
Thompson John M.
T7INSAN JOHN.
WALSH JAMES.
Walsh Nicholas.
Wegner Dedrich.
Weherheim John.
Welshire C. H.
Whalen Jonathan.
YOUNG ANDREW.
Yum Peter.
DIRECTORY.
207
208
RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY.
THOMISON & HARMON,
STEELESVILLE, ILL.
DEALERS IN
w m ifyt m
oj w in rra hy
BOOTS AND SHOES,
HATS AND CAPS, GROCERIES,
HARDWARE A&Q CUTL&RY,
And nil other articles necessary lo constitute a eompli lc ns<'»rfment
of such Goods as the country demands.
Our business is transacted on tho mutual principle and we invito
our friends and tho public generally to bring us every article of
merchantable produce, and exchange it for Goods. Give us a call
when you visit Steclcsville.
CHEAP CASH STORK
J. M EXAXiONB & BRO ,
Ilavin ; established themselves in (ho
DRY-GOODS & GROCERY BUSINESS,
Would respectfully solicit a share of the patronago around St< * los-
villc. In our Store will ;it all times bo found a complete variety of
di& Jl <3ar v-^ vi> J^ @ ^ <&& -u Ji> G*i ; ^ -.si Js \& 9
BOOTS, SLIDES,
SUGAR, MOLASSES, COFFEE, L'EA t
PSFPER, SPIOS, &8., &5.
Our Stock is 'open for inspection, and everybody is invited t«
call ci.d sec us.
STEELESVTLLE.
Steole.vrllie, forrn.vI, r :iam ! and yet eallod George-
town, is .-i; mtcJ towards the e i.stern boundary of tho
county, fifteen miles from Chester, on the road leadin •; to
Pinekncyville. The oh I Indian trail and road leading
from Shu .vnoeLo v i '■> ! l.'.-^i-kin passed over the ground
on wlii . !i the town is m ale. and for many years beforo
there was any prospect of a town, it was the prin 'ipal
thoroughfare of travel for (he Southern District of
Illinois. Emigrants, from beyond the Ohio, crossed tho
river at Khawneetown, and came this route to Kas-
kaskiu.
Gbojiok Rtkklh, the original proprietor of Steeles-
villc, located upon the land where the town stands, in
1810, and male a small farm. The most important
event in the early history of this place was the erection
of a Port or " Block House.'" in the year 1812, in which
the neighboring settlers took refuge from the Kickapoo
Indians, whose hostilities towards the Americans had
been excited by t ho British During one whole season
the people lived in thin PV>i*t. and never left it without
their guns and arm-; of defense.
The foundation of the town was laid in 1825, by the
erection of a tread-mill by Mr. Stekltc. The mill
machinery was driven by the weight of oxen treading
*18
210 RANDOLPH CODNTT
upon an inclined wheel, which created sufficient power
to drive and run the burrs. The mill created the neces-
sity for a store. This necessity was supplied two years,
afterwards by Col. Gabriel Jones, who opened the first
stock ot goods ever brought to Georgetown. In tho
same year — 1827 — a post office was established, and Col.
Jones appointed Postmaster. The post offico was
named " Steele's Mills," and it still retains the original
name, though the town was first called Georgetown,
and afterwards, by Act of tho Legislature, changed to
Stcelesvillc.
With a mill, a store, a post offico, a hotel, and a black-
smith shop, as a basis to start upon, tho enterprising
proprietor proceeded in 1832, to have his land surveyed
into town lots, which he offered for sale at public auc-
tion. Among the purchasers at this first sale of lots,
were Capt. Rogers, Col. Jones, Dr Jones, Robert
Jones, and Tanner Briggs. From this time the town
commenced growing, and its progress has been slow
and gradual — additions being made just as fast as tho
advancing country around increased the demands of
trade.
In 1838-0, Mr. Steele erected a brick residence, the
first brick building in the place, which was an orna-
ment to the town. It is now owne»d and occupied by
Harry Jenkins as a hotel.
In the year 1842, the old mill becoming worn and
unstoady from the dilapidation of age, Mr. Steele
built another one, near where the first one stood, upon
the same plan, but much larger. It did excellent ser-
vice for several years, but its din and noise are heard
no more — only the wreck of it remaining.
The first church of Georgetown was organized in
1834, by Rev. Eli Suort. The congregation continued
DIRECTORY. 211
to worship regularly for sorao yoars, but finally the
members bocoming scattered, tho organization was
abanJonod. Another church was organized in 1838, by
Rev. J. B. At.cott, a Baptist minister, and this may be
called tho first Baptist church of Stcclesvillc. A school
bouse, standing a little to tho eastward of town, was
usod for 'church purposes by the congregation until
1848, whon a now building was erected in tho wostern
part of town.
In 1854, this congregation divided upon somo ques-
tion of difference, and tho dissenting portion erected a
now church building, and have become a distinct organ-
ization. Rev. II. S. Gordon supplies the pulpit of th©
now church, and Rov. II. S. Deppk that of the old ono.
Tho Methodists havo an organization, (the dato of
whoso commencement has been lost,) and proaching
occasionally by Rov. Mr. J a v.
Tho Presbyterian Church was organized about cighl
months ago, by Rev. B. II. Ciiarlks, of Chester. Th»
congregation occupies the old Baptist Church, and Rov.
A. A. Morrison fills tho pulpit.
Stcelesville has one school house, in which a school is
kept regularly. It is a good, substantial frame build-
ing, and stands a little to the northward of town. A
new flouring mill has just been put in operation, with a
capacity of grinding one hundred and fifty barrels of
flour per day. They have a good steam saw mill ; four
dry goods stores ; one wagon shop ; two cabinet shops ;
one boot and shoe shop; one cooper shop; one black-
smith shop; one tailor shop; one hotel, and two physi-
cians.
STEELESVILLE DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP SOUTH, RANGE b WEST.— STEELESVILLE.
DAMS TILFORD.
L Arnold Elias, farmer.
I)AT)GLEY DAVID S.. fanner.
) Bvrnor John II., miller.
Bcrn^r JoEfpIi W.. <lo
Berner Frederick, f;irmcr.
Ban-i n I Robert.
]$cn>on Christopher, farmer.
]1 jgjjeman Henry Sr., do
Bc^;;oman Henry Jr., do
B v , mum An .rust. do
]V:i« 1. t!i ' ;ri' F.. physician.
Blair James 11 , farmer.
BlairR-oherl II., do
Jit worn i in i Michael, fanner.
Brown Joseph, do
Brown P.;\id, do
Brown Isaac- 15.. merchant.
Brown Pi cMon, do
Brown William II.. farmer.
Brown Samuel N., blacksmith.
Brown James T., farmer.
Brown Allrod A.. do
Brown William. do
Brown Midiae-l, do
Blashear William W., fanner.
Blackclsby Thomas, do
Busher Henry, do
CAMPBELL WILLIAM E., far-
mer.
Caatellnw Alfred, farmer.
Caatellow John T., blacksmith.
Cross Francis, farmer.
DEPrE II. S. Rev., farmer.
Dennis Charles J., do
Dennis .lames, do
Dc.ppc Au msliis, do
Dosj>et K< v.. farmer and teacher.
Dun ran Jacob, do
[^REUS FREDERICK, farmer.
J Edwards Thomas B., do
FORSFE NAPOLEON, farmer.
Forsie Richard, do
GLAPFORD REUBEN, farmer.
Gordon Gcorgo, do
Gordon II. S., Rev., do
Green Carter, do
Guyinou Thomas, do
'NGLAES B. F., carpenter.
JERNIGAN W. R., farmer wad
brick maker.
Jenkins R. II., hotel keeper.
KAMPEN CnARLES, farm«
Korn Abraham, d»
DIRECTOR*".
218
TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, BANGE 5 WEST.— STEELESVILLB.
Korn Elijah. farmer.
Korn Jacob, do
Korn John, do
Kane James, <lo
Kendall xdward, wagon maker.
LEIINHOFF LEWIS, farmer.
Lehnburg Christopher, far-
mer.
Lively Lewis, farmer.
Lively Shadrick. farmer.
Lickcas Robert, merchant.
Lickess John, farmer.
Lofton Eli. farmer and school
commissioner.
Luhl'singer Henry, shoemaker.
M ALONE JOHN T... fanner.
Malone Jamed M., merchant
Malonc J. A.. do
Mathews John, Rev.
Math is Leonard, fanner.
Math is John, do
Marion J.
Martin William C. farmer.
Mossburg Frederick, do
Missel horn William, do
Mi ntcr Jacob, do
Morgan J. F., do
Morgan G. S.. physician,
Morns James, cabinet maker.
Morrison John, farmer.
Morrison Robert., do
Monteith John A., larmer.
Myerholf Henry, do
PAHLMAN IIEN T RY, carpen-
ter.
Parker Senaea, merchant miller.
Perily Henry, farmer.
ROBISON WILLIAM, farmer.
Robison Cyrus, cooper.
Robison Daniel, farmer.
Rossindall Frederick, farmer.
Rnhrede Frederick, do
Russell Leonard, do
Rnizcde Henry, do
Rihnheart August., cooper.
SHAFER DANIEL H., brick-
maker.
Short. John T., farmer.
Short. John K., do
Short Thomas E., farmer.
Short Richard J., do
Km i tli Lewis M., do
Sowe.-by A. G., carpenter
cabinet maker.
Soaper Robert, farmer.
Stevens Wi'liam II., farmer.
and
Stillwaugli Jacob
Stillwaugli Albert,
Stok r . I. noes M.,
Sto sie Albert,
Steele Rilen,
Steele Thomas,
Steele James.
Steele John Sr.,
St'-.i le .lame., C,
Sto >le Harvey,
Sto< le Ja.-per,
Steele Elvis,
Steele Thomas,
Steele M. E.,
Steele Carroll,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
ivsberry George W., cooper.
Slaley Jacob, fanner.
rnATUTM WILLIAM B., farmer.
JL Tato William, do
Thomson George, merchant.
Thomas John W., farmer.
u
HLES JAMES H v farmer.
914
RANDOLPH COUNTY
TOWNSHIP 6 60UTH, RANGE 5 WEST— 6TEELESVILLB.
farmer.
r AUGHAN JAMES, farmer.
W
EATTE HENRY, fanner.
Whitford S. C,
Wilden B. r
YOUNG EPHRAIM J., black-
smith.
TOWNSHIP fl S., RANGE 6 W.— HARMON SETTLEMENT.
ARNOLD ELIAS, farmer.
Addlcr William, do
Adair William, farmer and
teacher.
Albert John, farmer.
BEGGAMANN Augustus, far-
mer.
Baird A. P., do
Barnet Martin B., do
Bean James J., do
Bean David, do
Bean Benjamin, do
Bean William, do
Boswell Timothy, do
Burrows Ezckiel, do
CAMPBELL EDWARD, farmer.
Campbell John, do
Caudle John, do
Caudle Sampson, do
Caudle Richard, do
Carstatter David, do
farter Julian, teacher.
•ieckmever John, do
Colman R. E.
Clawson Frederick. do
Dagener Henry, farmer.
Dillard William, do
Dillard John A., do
Ditty Amos, do
Demising F. Sr., Rev., farmer.
Demising F. Jr., do
Dresemyer Henry, do
Delany A., do
Dolany John A. do
Dunsing F. M. do
EBERS WILLIAM, farmer.
Elsey William, do
Elliot Joseph, do
Exum William, do
Exum Crawford, do
Exum John, do
Ewbanks John F., do
FAXSLOW FREDERICK, far-
mer.
Ficne Henry, farmer.
Flanagan Michael, farmer.
Fleming Janus, do
Fleming John, do
Foster John. do
Fleming William, do
DETMORE FREDERICK, far-
mer.
GANT JOHN H, farmer.
Gramels Henry, do
DIRECTORY.
Sit
TOWNSHIP 6 8., RANGE 8 W.— HARMON SETTLEMENT.
Glenn Amos H., farmer.
Gant Thomas, do
HACKMASTER HENRY, far-
mer.
Hanna James H., farmer.
Harmon John C, do
Harmon Jonn Jr., do
Harmon William, do
Harmon Phillip, do
Harmon George Sr. do
Harmon George Jr. do
Harmon Abraham Sr., farmer.
Hanjfion Abraham Jr., do
Harmon Michael, do
Harmon James Jr., do
Harmon Jacob, do
Harmon George T., do
Harris John, do
Harris Samuel, do
Harris Eli, do
Hartraan John H., do
Hathorn James, do
Hathaway Milton, do
Hathaway James, do
Heard William, do
Hesemeyer Frederick, do
Heitmann Harman, do
Henderlighter W. J. G., do
Hagranee Frederick, do
Hoppc Frederick, do
Hughes Felix, do
Hartley Daniel, do
Heitman Detrick, do
JAY C. F., Rev., farmer.
Johnson Peter, do
Jorgens Detrick, do
KARStfWS FREDERICK.
K arsfenEr .Le v$.
Keller John P., carpenter.
Knope Frederick, farmer.
Knope George, do'
Knope Henry, farmer.
Kern Phillip, do
Kakle Henry, farmer and b^Mk>
smith.
LOIIRDING HENRY, farmer.
Lively Reuben, do
Lawrence Job, do
Lawrence Charles, do
Lawrence Joseph, school teacher.
Lacy John, farmer.
Lelmherr Isaac, merchant.
Lendweill H., farmer.
Lively Edward, cooper.
Lively Joseph, farmer.
MAXWELL JAMES, farmer.
Maxwell William, do
Marlin John M., cooper.
Marlin Thomas, farmer.
Marlin William Jr., farmer.
Malone William D., farmer and
blacksmith.
Mahan A. J., farmer.
Mahan John, do
Mahan David, do
Menis William, do
Miller Frederick, farmer
Miller Augustus, do
Moore Levi,
Moore William,
Moore James H.,
Moore Joseph S.,
Morrow James Jr.,
Meyers Lewis,
Meyers Henry,
Meyers George,
Meyers John H.,
Meyers John,
Meyers Valentine,
McCan James B.,
McDonald Marshall, farmer.
McDonald W. W., do
McDonald John T., d»
McFarlin Andrew, 4ff
McK.ee Samuel, 4.0
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
116
BANDOLPH COUNTY D1RJL.CTOKY.
TOWNSHIP 6 8., RANGE 6 W.— HARMON SETTLEMENT.
McLaughlin Robert, farmer.
McMannis William, do
McMannis Joseph, do
McNulty Joseph ,M., do
McNabuey J:imes, do
McNabney Robert, <i<>
N
EFF GEORGE, farmer.
Neemeyer August, farmer.
LIVER ADAM, farmer.
pECKET WILLIAM, farmer.
REIMER PETER, farmer.
Rinkle Henry, do
Rotrock D. S., do
Runger Jergins, do
Ray M. R., do
SIMMONS DAVID M., farmer.
Shack Peter, do
Bhernback Henry, do
Bonnenberg William, do
Steruback Lewis, farmer.
Sternback Henry, do
Stcrnbaek Frederick, do
Sternback William, do
Snaker Henry, do
Snider William, do
mAGGART JOHN, Sr., farmer.
A Taggart John, Jr., do
Taggart John L., farmer.
Taggart David. do
Taggart Amos, Sr., do
Taggart Amos. Jr., do
Thils Frederick, blacksmith.
Teitze Frederick, farmer.
V
INYARD WILLIAM,
gate keeper.
toll
WELSHANS LEWIS, farmer.
Westernian Henry, do
Were Charles, farmer.
Wilson James C, do
Wilson Hugh M., do
Wilson Alexander M., farmer.
Were John, farmer.
Were Frederick, farmer.
Weiding Henry, do
Wheitbush Henry, farmer.
Wilson John, do
RANDOLPH.
About the year 1842, Mr. Capman, late of Kandolph
County, laid off and attempted to fan the breath of life
into a place on the old Sparta road, seven miles from
Chester. But the sequel shows the progress was slow.
In 1855 thero was nothing to be seen of the town ex-
cept the small grocery establishment of John Wood,
and a few farm houses in the vicinity. The Germans,
however, in the meantime, had settled the surrounding
country, which they were cultivating with a great deal
of industry and prudence. In 1856, Mr. Isaac Lehn-
herr went to Kandolph and erected a building in which
he placed a stock of goods, and at once commenced
doing a brisk business. A post office was established
the ensuing winter, which was called Bremen.
Mr. Buckman has since opened a store, and several
workshops are in operation in the vicinity*
About the year 1840, the Lutheran Germans built a
church near Randolph, where regular service has been
held ever since. This church was organized by Rev.
Mr. Dunsing, who still continues to preach for the con-
gregation. Another Lutheran church was organized
in 1849, by Rev. M. Eirich, of Chester. There are now
about sixty families belonging to the congregation of
this church. Rev. Mr. Teotmeyf.r is the minister.
19
COULTERVILLE.
Coulterville is situated in Grand Cote Prairie, some
eight miles northeast of Sparta. The beautiful region
which the town now occupies was in a state of nature,
and afforded pasturage for the wild deer of the prairie
until the year of 1822, when James Coulter, John and
Alexander McKelvey, James Dickey, Samuel Boyd
and James Strohan came and located in the immediate
vicinity.
Under the management of these industrious and en-
terprising farmers, Grand Cote Prairie began a rapid
change from a forest of waving prairie grass to a
prosperous rural settlement. These improvements con-
tinued until nearly the whole of this fertile region has
been subdued and made to teem with the productions
of civilization.
In 1850^ James Coulter had a portion of his land
surveyed into town lots, which he offered for sale.
The beautiful locality of the proposed town, and the
fertility of the surrounding country soon attracted at-
tention. Two years afterwards, the place commenced
improving. In 1852-3, two churches were erected, and
Henry Taylor commenced the mercantile business by
opening a dry goods store.
The place contains at the present time, two churches ;
DIRECTORY. 219
two stores; one wagon shop; three blacksmith shops;
one merchant mill ; one saw mill; one shoe shop; one
drugstore; three carpenter shops ; one tin shop; one
saddlery ; two hotels ; one brick yard ; one brick school
house, and two physicians.
It is a remarkably healthy place. During the last
five years but one death has occurred within a mile
and a half of the place.
STEELESVILLE DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— STEELESVILLE.
A
DAMS TILFORD.
Arnold Elias, i'armi
I}ADGLEY DAVID S., fanner.
3 Kerner John II., miller.
Bcriirr Joseph W.. do
Bernor Frederick, farmer.
Barrsm I Robert.
Ben.-on Christopher, farmer.
1; sgg< 'in;iu Henry Rr., do
Bcggoman Henry Jr.. do
Bcggemaii An -,i^t. do
B'ai k G< i :;:>' F.. physmian.
Blair Jtmios 11 , I. inner.
Blair Kill icrl II., do
Bowcrman Michael, farmer.
Brown Joseph, do
Brown David, do
Brown Isaac. B., merchant.
Brown Preston, do
Brown William II.. farmer.
Brown Sanmcl N., blacksmith.
Brown James T., farmer.
Brown Alfred A., do
Brown William, do
Brown Michael, do
Blashear William W., farmer.
Blackclsby Thomas, do
Busher Henry, do
CAMPBELL WILLIAM E., far-
mer.
Caetelltiw Alfred, farmer.
Castellow John T., blacksmith.
Cross Francis, farmer.
DEPPE II. S. Rev., farmer.
Dennis Charles J., do
Dennis James, do
Deppe Augustus, do
Doggol Rev., fynncr and teacher.
Dun 'an Jacob, do
I TUBERS FREDERICK, farmer.
J Edwards Thomas B., do
FORSEE NAPOLEON, farmer.
Forstc Richard, do
GLAPFORP REUBEN, farmer.
Gordon George, do
Gordon II. S., Rev., do
Green Carter, do
Guymou Thomas, do
"NGLAES B. F., carpenter.
JERNIGAN W. R., farmer and
brick maker.
Jenkins R. H., hotel keeper.
KAMPEN CnARLES, farmer.
Korn Abraham, d»
DIRECTORY.
213
TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— STEELESVILLB.
Korn Elijah. farmer.
Korn Jacob, do
Korn J oli a, do
Kane James, do
Kendall x.dward, wagon maker.
LEHNIIOFF LEWIS, farmer.
Leh n burg Christopher, far-
mer.
Lively Lewis, farmer.
Lively Shadriek. farmer.
Lickess Robert, merchant.
Lickcss John, farmer.
Lofton Eli. fanner and school
commissioner.
Luhfsingcr Henry, shoemaker.
M ALONE JOHN T... farmer.
Mabmc James M., merchant.
Malone J. A.. do
Mathews John, Rev.
Math is Leonard, farmer.
Math is John, do
Marion J.
Martin William O. farmer.
Mossburg Frederick, do
Missel horn William, do
Mi nter Jacob, do
Morgan J. F., do
Morgan G. S.. physician,
Morris Jam 's. cabinet maker.
Morrison John, tanner.
Morrison Robert, do
Monteith John A., larmer.
Mverholf Henry, do
PAHLMAN HENRY, carpen-
ter.
Parker Senaea, merchant miller.
Perily llen:y, fanner.
Robison Daniel, farmer.
Rossindall Frederick, farmer.
Rnhrodc Frederick, do
Russell Leonard, do
Ruizcde Henry, do
Rihnheart August, cooper.
SHAFER DANIEL H-, brick-
maker.
Short John T., farmer.
Short. John E., do
Short Thomas E., larmer.
Sliort Richard J., do
S; lit ii Lewis M , do
Sowe.'by A. G., carpenter and
cabinet maker.
Soap r Robert, farmer.
Stevens Wi'Iiam II., farmer.
Still wan ;h Jacob.
Stilhvangli Albert,
Sfcofc :• James M.,
Ste s! • Albert,
Steele Rilun,
Steele Thomas,
Steele James.
S:.eelc John Sr.,
Stei le James C,
Ste :le Harvey,
St.' !,■ Jasper,
Steele Elvis,
Steele Thomas,
Steele M. E-,
Steele Carroll,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
•.hewsborry George W., cooper.
Staley Jacob, farmer.
rilATUM WILLIAM B., farmer.
JL Tate William, do
I Thomson George, merchant.
Thomas John W., farmer.
R
OBISON WILLIAM, farmer.
Robison Cyrus, cooper.
u
HLES JAMES H., farmer.
COULTERVILLE DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— COULTERVILLE.
ADDISON WILLIAM, capi-
talist.
Anderson John, Sr., farmer.
Anderson John, Jr., do
Atkin John, do
Anderson James W., do
Alston Andrew, do
Alexander William R.
Alexander W. S., farmer.
B
AIRD ALEXANDER, farmer.
Becket Garvin, farmer.
Beatte Jacob B.,
do
Beatte R. S.,
do
Boyd Samuel L.,
do
Brown Robert, Sr.,
do
Burns John S.,
do
Burns Stewart,
do
Burns Archibald,
do
riATHCART JOSE
\J Cathcart Robert,
PH, farmer
do
Campbell D. C, teacher.
Carmichal John, farmer.
Campbell Alexander
do
Coulter John W.,
do
Coulter James, Sr.,
do
Coulter James, Jr.,
do
Craig William,
do
Craig James,
do
Crawford Henry,
do
Crawford William B.,
do
Crawford James,
do
Crawford Benj. C.,
do
Crawford Bryce.
do
Curtis William H., farmer.
Curtis S. G., do
Cunningham Win., do
Cuthbertson Robert, do
DICKEY J. L., merchant.
Dickey W. J., farmer.
Dickey Alexander, do
Dickey John A., do
Jamison Samuel W., merchant.
Dickson J. J., farmer.
Duckworth James, farmer.
Dunlap Robert, do
EAST JAMES, farmer.
EasdaleHugh, do
Edmiston William, Sr., farmer.
Edmiston William, Jr., do
Edmiston A. G., do
Edmiston Rufus, do
Edmiston James A., do
Elliotte R. B., do
FINLY JOHN, farmer.
Foster David A., do
GAULT R. II., farmer:
Gault James C, do
Garvcr Daniel, do
Garvin George, do
Goring Peter, do
^ ^don Nathaniel, do
DIRECTORY.
221
TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— COULTERVILLE.
HAWLEY SAMJEL, farmer.
Hays Isaac H., "
Hair John B., farmer.
Herrick John, do
Hood James, do
Hood William, do
Hughes John, shoemaker.
■AMISON JOSEPH, farmer.
James Rohert, do
KEYS ROBERT, farmer.
Kirkpatrick John S., farmer.
Kerr John, farmer.
Kcan Christopher, farmer.
Kennedy Hugh, do
King Alexander, do
LEMMON ISAIAH S., farmer.
LiUle Samuel, farmer.
Lynn Charles E., do
MATTHEWS R., farmer.
Matthews W. J., do
Miller John G., do
Moore Thos. C, do
Moore William B., do
Moore Alexander, Sr., lo
Moore Alexander, Jr do
Morton Andrew, do
Muir Rohert, do
Murphy John, do
Murphy T. G., do
Munford David, do
Munford William, -do
McDill James, do
McDill Thomas, do
MeDill John, do
McMillan Matthew, do
McMillan S. W., do
McMillan Randell, do
McMurrav James, do
*19
Mclntyre Daniel, farmer.
McLaughlin John, do
McKelvey James W., do
McKelvey Charles, do
McKelvey A., do
McKelvey Robt. B., do
McKelvey T. E., do
McKelvey J. C, do
McKelvey Sam'l W., do
McRill 0. G., do
McNeill John, blacksmith.
PINKERTON JOHN, farmer.
Pinkerton Luther, do
Pinkerton Benjamin, student.
Pinkerton James H.
ROBERTSON ROBERT, farmer.
Robertson William, do
Rice H. H., Dr.
Robison John, farmer.
Russell Alexander, farmer.
SELFRIDGE JOHN, farmer.
Sinclair John, farmer.
Sloan John J., blacksmith.
Smith Robert, farmer.
Smith A., do
Smith Moore, do
Sproule James, wagonmaker.
Strahan Blair, farmer.
Stephenson Robert, farmer.
rpAYLORIIENEY, farmer.
1 Taylor W. B., blacksmith.
Thompson J. S., merchant.
Thompson W. L., farmer.
Thompson A. M., do
Thompson John M., cooper.
222
RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY
TOWNSIIir 4 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST— COULTERVILL1.
WATTERS CHARLES, farmer.
Whitaker W. B., wagon-
maker.
White William, farmer.
Wilson James, Sr., do
Wilson Peter C, do
Wilson David, do
Wisely James M., uo
Woodside Samuel, Sr., farmer.
Woodside Samuel, Jr., do
Woodside James, do
Woodside John J., do
Wright John, do
Wyley James, do
Wyley John, do
FLORENCE.
This place is situated in Township 6 South, of Range
7 West, some three miles northeast of Kaskaskia, and
about two miles from the Kaskaskia river. It has an
elevated situation, and surrounded by springs of pure
water. The region in which this village is situated has
many natural advantages. It has a heavy growth of
excellent timber, and a fertilo soil, adapted to the culti-
vation of all the vegetables, grains, grasses and fruits
peculiar to Southern Illinois. The Kaskaskia river
which is now navigated by small steamers during the
greater portion of the year, servos as a highway for the
transportation of its surplus produce.
In 1852, George ELLrs purchased a portion of the
old Hunt farm, erected a house and opened a store. A
post office was also established, and Mr. Ellis appointed
Postmaster. During the same year, a Union Meeting
House was erected, and a school house having boon
previously built, the place began to assume the air of
a village. Mr. EriLis now had his land surve} r ed into
town lots, and the place was called " Ellis Grove."
In 1855 the Baptists erected a large meeting house.
This church is well attended, and the society is in a
flourishing condition. Rev. W R. McClure is the
present pastor.
2i4
RANDOLPH COUNTY
Mr. Ellis' Store being destroyed by fire, iu 1857, he
sold his property in the place and removed to Urbana.
Mr. William Crawford now removed to the place and
took charge of the post office, and opened a small stock
of goods. A shoe shop was soon after established, a
cooper shop has 6ince been built, and Messrs. Buckman
& Peters are erecting a store house in which they in-
tend to open a dry goods store during the coming fall.
In all probability a brisk trade will be conducted in
Florence at no distant day.
TOWNSHir 6 SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— FLORENCE.
A NDREWS CHARLES, farmer.
BROWN PETER, farmer.
Besson Joseph, do
Ban sen Clark, do
Brewer John W., do
Burkhardt John, cooper.
Brown Pias, farmer.
Boyle Wm., do
CECIL E. S., farmer.
Cecil Piers R. D., farmer.
Chencx Mitchell, (Che-nu) far-
mer.
Chenoux Joseph, farmer.
DAVIS JOHN, farmer.
Deninger George, farmer.
Derouse Charles, do
Dcrouse Louis C, do
Derouse Pierre R., do
Derouse Joseph J., do
Derouse Fmnris J., do
T^ISHER JAMES G., farmer.
J? Fisher Archibald, wagon-
maker.
Fisher Henry, farmer.
GRADIE AMOS.
Glain Elizabeth.
Gentry Jas. C, wagonmaker.
Gerner Andrew, farmer and
cooper.
HAMILTON BRIDGET W.,
farmer.
Heckmann F. Gabriel, carpenter
Ileckmann Fhillip, farmer.
Heckmann Matthew, do
Hargus Jos. II., do
Hargus Hamilton, do
JONES ARMESTEAD, farmer.
James Griffith, do
DIRECTORY.
225
TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— FLORENCE.
TZALER GEORGE, farmer.
MUDD FELIX, farmer.
McGuire William, farmer.
OPPERMAN GRISPARD, far-
mer.
PAVARD ETIENNE.
Penney Joseph, farmer.
Phigley William, do
T>OB]
S
Roots George.
NIDER PHILLIP, farmer.
THOMSON L. R., farmer.
Tilman Charles, do
W
ILL JOSEPH, farmer.
Will Daniel, do
LAFAYETTE:
Is situated on the loft, bank of the Kaskaskia river,
about ten miles above Evansville. It was laid off at quite
an early day, although there was not much business
done there in consequence of its isolation, until a recent
day, when the successful navigation of the stream on
which it stands, linking it in the chain of communica-
tion with other places, rendered it an important ship-
ping point.
Large quanties of grain are shipped from this place
and conveyed to the Mississippi river, there to be trans-
ported to different markets ; find a large share of the
flour manufactured at Red Bud is shipped from this
point.
Also a considerable is done here in the lumber busi-
ness, and something in the dry goods line ; a store of
this description and a saw mill being in operation.
PRESTON.
James Patterson settled upon the town site of Pres-
ton in 1804, and opened a farm. In 1816, Washington
Stehiut bought the farm, and lived upon it until 1820,
DIRECTORY. 227
when he sold it to John Rankin, who shortly after-
wards sold to James Pollock. Mr. Pollock estab-
lished a tan yard in 1823, and for several years carried
on an extensive business in that line. Samuel B.
Stranky opened a store in 1833. Two years after-
wards, Pollock & Bratney opened a store — the second
one in the place. In 1836, James Pollock laid off his
land into town lots, from which -the town may date its
existence.
It has always been an unobtrusive, quiet town, fur-
nishing such accommodations as the surrounding coun-
try demanded. It tai'isually consisted of a church,
store, post office, blacksmith shop, hotel, and a physi-
cian.
Its history consists chiefly in the church. Rev. S.
BROW4*»f Kentucky, visited the Irish Settlement about
the yea* 1810, and organized the congregation. Some
time afterwai'ds, Rev. S. Crothers visited the congrega-
tion and preached a short time. But the church could
claim no more than a nominal existence until the year
1818, when Rev. Samuel Wylie was regularly installed
pastor of the church. "When his services were secured
a church building was erected, probably the first Prot-
estant church in Illinois. It was built of logs, in the
usual style of all houses in those days. The house was
erected and finished for use in two days. Rev. Samuel
Wylie was succeeded in the ministerial charge of this
congregation by Rev. Alexander Porter, he by Rev.
S. P. McGraw. In 1826 Rev John Reynolds took
charge of the congregation, and continued in, that station
until 1829. In 1831 Rev. S. C. Baldridge succeeded
to the charge, and remained five years. He was suc-
ceeded by Rev. James McAuley, in 1840, the congrega-
tion having been without a pastor during an interval
228
RANDOLPH COUNTY
of four years. The large church edifice was erected in
1842. Rev. M. M. Brown became pastor of the church
in 1849, and remained until 1854. The year following
Rev. James W. Glenn took charge of the congregation,
and he is yet the pastor.
This is the mother of Associate Reformed Churches
in Illinois.
Union Church, located three miles south of Sparta,
was a branch of the Preston Church. Rev. John Rey-
nolds and Alexander Porter, from 1826, occasion-
ally preached in a school house in the neighborhood.
Rev. S. C. Baldridqe was chosen pastor in 1830, and
organized the church. The year after, the brick church
now standing, was erected. Arthur Parks, Maxwell
McCormack, and William McKee, were the first
Ruling Elders. In later years this church has keen sup-
plied with preaching by the minister of the Sparta
church.
TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— PRESTON.
ANDERSON JAMES W, far-
mer.
Ahuhizer John, farmer.
Alexander John, do
BARNETT CORYDON, farmer.
Beatte Robert T., do
Berthall Daniel, do
Been James A., surveyor.
Been E. M., farmer.
Beatte Charles, farmer.
Blam John, do
Bratney J. B., merchant and jus-
tice of the peace.
Bratney R. N., farmer.
Bratney J. C. teacher.
CARR A BNER, farmer.
Campbell James C, farmer.
Campbell James, do
Campbell John C.. do
Canck James B., do
Cochran M. E., do
Crozier A. II., do
DASHNER PETER, farmer.
Detinhifer Henry, do
Douglas John, do
Douglas S. B., do
"TIAYETT FRANCIS, farmer.
lllRKOrnllV
2W
JOHN B. BRATNEY
Would r»sj).;<;tt'ully call attention to his well asHorted
Stock of
Which he proposes to sell on terms that will induce
tho people of
To purchase ol' him. In his Store will be found an
assortment of
Suited especiall}' to tho wants of his customers. All
kinds of
SUGAR, COFFEE, MOLASSES, TEA,
MACKEREL,
rioe, x*e:jf»i»esh, spices,
TOBACCO, &C-,
Constantly on hand. Every article usually wanted in
the community, will be found in his Store.
All kinds of Merchantable Produce wanted in ex-
change for goods.
Preston, ill.
20
2i](J
RANDOLPH COUN'l V
TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— PRESTON.
GREER HEMP A., fanner.
Glenn James W., Rev.
Glasgow John, farmer.
Greer Jefferson, do
Gray William, • do
James Gray, do
Gucher Frederick, farmer.
Glessner Lawrence, do
TJACKET GEORGE W.
farmer
JX Haynes William
L..
do
Hommil Jacob,
do
Hommil Nicholas,
do
Henderson M. M.,
do
Hinchback Godfrey,
do
Hill Samuel,
do
Hogg Archibald,
do
Haly William,
do
JOHNS ROBERT.
KARR RICHARD, former.
Kemper Christian, do
Kelly James, do
Kinsler Jacob, do
Kook Phillip, do
LOUGHAR'T JOHN, farmer.
Long Henry. do
MANN JAMES, farmer.
Mann Robert C. farmer.
Mann W. M., do
Mann C. P., do
Mann L. A., do
Mann R. H„ do
Mann William C. blacksmith
Mann R. C, farmer.
Miller 8. B.. do
Miller Jo.-iab, farmer.
Morrow James F., fanner.
McAuly D. T., Rev., do
McCormack George, do
MeCormack A. A., do
McCormack James C, farmer.
McCoard William, do
McCarty John H., do
McDonald Thomas, do
VTIFONG FRANCIS, fan
/yjERLY
MARTIN, farmer.
POLLOCK T. C, farmer.
Pollock James, farmer.
Pollock W. W., do
Patterson James,
Prebley Robert, do
Pritty Jacob, do
RATLIFF .10HN, farmer.
Ratliff John. Jr., do
Ratliff Daniel, do
Ray Adam, do
Regnault William. do
Rath Leonard. d<>
SHAPPELL NICHOLAS, far-
mer.
Shuline John, farmer.
Smith Theresa, do
Stolle Gustavo, do
Stevenson William, farmer.
Spurgeon Lewis. do
Stanly George, do
Skinner John. do
IMKKCToKY.
231
TOWNSHIP S SOUTH, RANCH 7 WEST.— TRESTON.
THOMPSON JAMES B.. far-
racr.
Thompson John B.. farmer.
Thompson Adam H., do
Thompson William, do
Thompson Archibald C. farmer.
Thompson John C, do
Thompson John R.. do
Thompson James, do
Thompson A. J.. do
Thompson Robert M.. do
WUNDERLEY MARTIN, far-
mer.
Wilson Ed. H., farmer.
Wettenbrink Maxwell, farmer.
Wyley John, do
Wiley Joseph, do
Wiley Samuel, do
Wright Isaac Jr., do
Wright John K., do
Williamson J. K... do
Wright A. C do
TOWNSHir t SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— BURNETT'8.
ADAMS SAMUEL B., farmer.
Allen Andrew, do
Allen William, do
B ESSEN GEORGE, farmer.
Bilyeri Michael, do
Bern William, do
Bern James A., do
Black Thomaa, do
Barbeck Thomas, do
Boak Godlip, do
Bowers Aaron, do
Boyd John II., do
Boyd John V., do
Boyle Thomas. do
Boyle John, do
Bean Reuben. do
Burghans Edwin. do
Burnett Alexander. do
Burnett Andrew. do
OAMPBKLL THOMAS, farmer.
Cox Absalom. do
Cox William. do
Cox Jose j> h M., do
Cowan Ja-aaes,
Cowan John J.
farmer,
do
DANNUSE LEWIS, farmer.
Douglas A. T., do
Doaly John, do
EWING CHARLES, farmer.
Ewing William J.,
H
AYS GEORGE, farmer.
Hents Christian, do
Henderson M. Cr.
HillW. M.,
Hill John,
Harden Frederick,
Hay Bartholomew,
Hoppe Michael A.,
Hulcher William.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
K
ELLER ANDREW, farmer
232
Randolph county directory.
TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— BUM HTT'9.
LEMING JOSEPH E., farmer.
Leming Thomas, do
Lorning Hamilton. do
Liddy Timothy, do
Lawson David. do
Lyons Joseph, do
MABE LARKIN, farmer.
Mathews Robert, do
Marvin William 0., do
Marvin Joseph M., do
Montgomery Joseph, do
Mudd William, do
McMurdo Thomas, do
Mulherrn Luke, do
McAuley James, do
McAuley George W., farmer.
McDonald James II., do
McCormack James C. do*
NELSON WILLIAM R.. farmer.
Nelson George W., do
Nelson Robert L., do
Nelson John A., do
Newel James, do
PRESTON ROBERT H., farmer
and justice of the peace.
Preston David C., farmer.
Preston William B., do
R
HULE FREDERICK, farmer.
Rhule Jared, d»
'HARRA HENRY, farmer.
SCUDDER ISAAC Jr., farmer.
Scudder Henry, do
Shanback Ernest, do
Snodgrass John M., do
Spitz Conrad, do
Stockwell John, do
Stively Voluntine, do
TAYLOR CHARLES W., far-
mer.
Thompson Archie, farmer.
Thompson A. W., do
Thompson Daniel C, do
Thompson James, do
Thompson Robert, do
Telbert Wesly, do
WEIDLING WILLIAM, far-
mer.
Wilson Absalom, farmer.
Wilson.
SHILOH HILL
About the years 1851-2, Mr Durkee began selling
goods at Gillespie's Prairie, which he continued until ho
was succeeded by S. P. Mace, in 1856. Mace conducted
the business until 1858, when he discontinued, and Mr.
James Picket opened a store, and is now merchandizing
in that neighborhood. In the autumn of the year
1856, there was a sale of lots which had been previ-
ously laid off, and which belonged to the eighty acre
tract ceded by the Legislature of Illinois to the people
of this neighborhood, for the purpose of establishing a
College, to be entitled " Shiloh College," a charter for
the College being given at the same time.
A good school has been supported for a number of
years at this place, although as yet they have no build-
ing fitted for conducting a school of high grade ; yet,
as the country is improving rapidly, and gaining
strength with age, and the inhabitants in general being
of industrious habits and literary turn of mind, we
may safely predict that ere long a Seminary of high
character will be in successful operation.
The progress of the times will also demand that a
town of more or less importance shall arise, that the
people may dispose of their marketing, and obtain their
purchases without the inconvenience of traveling to a
distant place.
*20
SHILOH HILL DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— SHILOH HILL.
BARROW NEWTON, farmer
Bildcrback James F., do
Bilderback William H.. do
Broughton Abel, do
Burke T. 0., do
Burke J. K., do
Burke John B„ do
Burke E. B., do
Butler Leamau. do
CARUTHERS JOHN. Dr.
Cannady Emauuel, farmer.
Carson David, do
Chapman Jeremiah, do
Clark John, do
Clifford Cunningham. do
Crisler Owen F., do
Crisler William, do
D
ENNI8 JOHN W., farmer.
Dennis R. F., do
EMERY STEVEN, wagon-
maker.
Emery Henry, farmer.
Emery John, do
Emery Robert, blacksmith.
Erchelmann Henrv, farmer.
F
RAY MOSES, farmer.
GILESPIE JAMES, farmer.
Glorc Jeptha, do
Greer John R., do
Grcenawault Joseph, do
Gray William, do
Gray Jasper, do
Gray William B., do
Gwin James, do
Gwiii William C, do
TJALWORTH PAUL, farmei
XI Hagler John,
Hartman Henry.
Haney Hiram,
Haney Daniel,
Haney Douglas,
Helmns Henrv.
Hobbs R. S.,
Houseman J. M.,
Hornbustle John H.
Husband Harmon.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
IRELAND Martin, Justice of
the Peace.
Ireland A. T., blacksmith,
RANDOLPH COUNTY DlRKCTOttV.
235
TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH. RANGE 6 WEST.- SHILOH HILL.
.1
►JKS JOHN 0., fanner.
.ohnson Isaac R., do
■ i. .son William L., do
'■•Iwson John C, do
K
BLLY THOMAS.
Knope John P.,
ope Henry P.,
farmer,
do
do
ASTER WILLIAM,
r.
iilti-rg Clement, farmer.
far-
i. .
Lnwo-v 'lu^h,
I- ■ ' 'e'.nU Hugh.
do
do
y
}. ■
i
J. :.
}■'■ I
f I.
f
Mi-N
•. S. P., merchant.
■a ore. Francis, farmer.
in John S., do
iiKey Robert, do
mghlin James, Sr., farmer.
mghlin James, Jr., do
vughlin H. II., do
aughltn John W.. do
cill Robert, do
cill Harvey, do
N
EELY JOHN, farmer.
Neal Thomas F., farmer.
1>ARKIIILL JOHN, farmer.
J Peters F. C, do
Vi 'cr John, do
Pillars Andrew J.,
Fierson William,
farmer,
do
11
EED WILLIAM W., farmer
Rickenberg Dclrick, do
SA88E ADOLFH, farmer.
Sheldan R, do
Short William A., farmer and car-
penter.
Shaffer John H., farmor.
Simmons George, do
Steele Wilson,
Steele Alfred,
Steele John T.,
Steele Andrew,
Steele John M.,
Stone Joseph,
Stone John,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
11H0MPS0N ANDREW, for-
mer.
Tudar Thomas, farmer.
VOWEL WYLIE, farmer.
Vowel Jason, do
W
ALDER CONRAD, farmer.
Welga Henry, do
CAMPTOWN.
On the completion of the Randolph County Plank
Road in 1854, a toll gate was established about two
miles from Chester. The next year Mr. G. S. Rust
being appointed gate keeper, erected a building and
commenced selling goods. Mr. Rust soon after pur-
chased a fractional part of Mr. Smith's farm which was
cut off by the Plank Road, which he has recently laid
off into lots and sold to private bidders.
A hotel was built by Mr. G. S. Rust in the spring of
1858. A workshop was also built by Rust & Farly
for the purpose of manufacturing and repairing farm-
er's implements.
During the past season Mr. Alexander Lockead and
Mr. H. A. Crawford have erected for themselves neat
and substantial dwelling houses. Some other dwellings
are in contemplation.
TOWNSHIP TREASURERS.
Town. 4 S., E. 5 W., David Munford, Treasurer.
John Median, "
Marshal W. Doggett, "
Harmon Husband, "
Samuel Clendenin, ••
William Rutherford, *
James Parks, Acting "
Edward Campbell, "
Isaac Rust, u
Samuel Manskor, "
Francis Boyle, "
John B. Brantney, "
Wiley Roberts, "
R. B. Servant, "
J. R. Allen, u
II. P. Simpson,
Charles Tilman, "
Never was organized.
William Henry,
The greater part of this Town-
ship is in Monroo county, and the Treasurer, O. M.
Matingly, resides in Monroe county ; his post offico
address I have not learned. Mr. Bricky, of Prairie du
Roeher, has transacted business for him.
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10
COURT DIRECTORY.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS— Org amizeh 17U5.
Names of Judges.
John Edgar,
William Morrison,
Pierre Menard,
Robert McMahon,
George Fisher,
John Beard,
Eobert Reynolds,
Nathaniel Hull,
Antoine Louvier,
John Grovenier,
James Finney,
Samuel Cochran.
This Court was superseded in 1809 by the County
Court, composed of Justices of the Peace, three of
whom were necessary to constitute a quorum.
Justices' Names.
Phillip Fouke,
Henry Levens,
William Arundel,
Samuel O'Melveny,
John McFerrcn,
Paul Harrelston,
David Anderson,
Archibald Thompson,
John Phelps,
Alexander Wilson,
Robert Gaston.
RANDOLPH COUNTY DIKKCTORY. 239
The County Court was superceded by the
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS IN lsll.
Names of Judges.
John McKerren,
William Morrison,
. James Finney,
David Anderson,
Phillip Fouke,
George Fisher,
Archibald Thompson,
Antoino L. Chenett,
Miles LTotchkiss,
Pierre LaCampte.
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT— Established in 1819.
Nanus of Commissioners.
1811). — Curtis Conn, David Anderson, James Patter-
son.
1820. — David Anderson, James Thompson, Miles
Hotehkiss.
1822. — Gabriel Jones, Francois Menard, John Miller.
1824. — Arthur Parks, Josiah Betts, Franklin P.
Owen.
1825. — Arthur Parks, Josiah Betts, John C. Crozier.
1820.^Arthur Parks, R. H. Fleming, Pierre R. De-
rouse.
1827. — R. H. Fleming, Pierre R. Derouse, James S.
Guthrie.
1828.— James S. Guthrie, Thomas Roberts, Felix St.
Vrain.
1830.— Thomas Roberts, William G. Hizer, John
Thompson.
1832.— Thomas Roberts, William G. Hizer, John G.
Nelson.
240 RANDOLPH COUNTY
1834. — Jobu G. Nelson, James Gillespie, James S.
Guthrie.
1835. — John G. Nolson, James Gillespie, Robert
Clark.
1336. — James O'Harra, Gabriel Jones, WiUiam G.
Hizor.
1838. — William G. Hizer, Samuel Douglas, Harvey
Clendcnin.
1839. — William G. Hizer, Harvey Clendcnin, Lawson
Murphy.
1841. — Harvey Clendenin, Lawson Murphy, Henry
O'Harra.
1842. — Harvey Clendenin, Henry O'Hara, John
Mann.
1844. — John Mann, Edward Campbell, ffm. McBride.
The Record from 1844 to 1848 was destroyed by
fire.
Under the existing Constitution of Illinois, which
went into operation in 1848, the County Court super-
seded the County Commissioners' Court.
1849. — John Campbell, County Judge.
Reuben Bailey, Associate Justice.
John Brewer, " "
18."<ii. — William P. Uaskiu, County Judge.
James Gillespie, Associate Justice.
Samuel B. Adams, " "
1854. — A vacancy occurring in 1854 by the death of
Judge HasUin, Richard B. Servant \v:is elected for the
remainder of the term.
1857. — John Campbell, County Judge.
James Gillespie, Associate Justice.
William Mudd, " "
DIRECTORY. 241
COURT OF QUARTER SESSIONS.
Thin Court was composed of Justices of the Peace,
and held its sessions once in three months — hence the
name of " Quarter Sessions."
(GENERAL COURT.
Upon the organization of Illinois Territory, in 1809
a higher Court, called the General Court, -was estab-
lished. The following named gentlemen appear to have
acted as Judges of this Court, viz :
Jesse B. Thomas,
Obadiah Jones,
Alexander Stuart,
Stanley Griswold,
William Sprigg,
John Reynolds,
Daniel P. Cook,
John Warnock.
SUPREME COURT.
The Supreme Court of Illinois held its first Session in
Kaskaskia, in 1819. Upon the records pertaining to
Randolph County, the following named gentlemen ap-
pear to have acted as Judges, viz :
Joseph Phillips,
Richard M. Young,
Thomas Reynolds,
John Reynolds,
Theophilus W. Smith,
Samuel D. Lockwood,
Thomas C. Browne.
CIRCUIT COURT.
The judiciary of Illinois was remodeled and reor-
ganized in 1835, at which time the Circuit Court was
established.
'21
242
RANDOLPH COUNTY
Names of Judges.
1835.— Sidney Lreese, , 1849— W. H. Underwood,
1843. — James Shields, , 1855. — Sidney Breese,
1845.— Gustavus Koerner, ' 1858.— H.K.S. O'Melvcny
PROBATE COURT.
This Court was established under the Constitution oi
1818. Curtis Conn was appointed Probate Judge, and
held the office ten years. He was succeeded by
Hunt, who remained in office but a short time ; and he
was succeeded by James Thompson, who held the office
seventeen years in succession — until the adoption of
the new Constitution in 1848, since which time the
County Judge has been ex-officio Judge of the Probat-;
Court.
SHERIFFS OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.
1801. — James Edgar,
1838.— John Campbell,
1803.— George Fisher,
1848.— John A. Wilson,
1805. — James Gilbreath,
1850.— Jno. P. Thompson.
1806. — Benjamin Stevens,
1852.— Sevenain St. Vrain,
1814.— Henry Conner,
1854. — John Campbell,
1821.— Samuel C. Cristy,
1856.— Sevenain St. Vrain,
1823.— T. J. V. Owens,
1858.— Anthony Steele.
1828. — Ignatius Sprigg,
CL1BK8 OF THE GENERA
lL and circuit courts.
W. C. Greenup,
John M. Langlois,
James. Hughs,
Charles Kane,
William Gutherie,
E. Leavenworth.,
James Quia,
James M Balls.
DIRECTOR*. 243
CLERKS OF THE COMMON PLEAS AND COUNTY COURT.
1795. — Robert Morrison,
1809.— Wm. C. Greenup,
1827.— Miles A. Hotchkiss,
1832.— James Hughs,
1838,— A. J. Dickison,
1841.— R Maxwell,
1845.— John W. GOlis,
1851. — James M. Cole,
1853. — Isaac H. Nelson.
COUNTY SURVEYORS.
James Thompson,
Samuel G. Thompson,
Ferdinand Humphreys,
Ezekiel "W. Robbing.
James B. Parks,
James Thompson,
Joseph Noel.
MEMBERS OF THE RANDOLPH COUNTY BAR.
Thomas G. Allen,
Francis B. Anderson,
James C. Holbrook,
E. G. Hallowell,
John Michan,
W. P. Murphy,
Thomas S. Morrison
James H. "Watt.
COUNTY OFFICER8.
John Campbell, County Judge.
James Gillespie, Associate Justice.
William Mudd, " "
Isaac H. Nelson, Clerk County Court.
James M. Ralls, Clerk Circuit Court, and Recorder
Joseph Noel, Surveyor.
James Thompson, Deputy Surveyor.
Hugh B. Nisbet, Treasurer and Assessor.
ElfLofton, School Commissioner.
244
RANDOLPH COUNTY
Kaskaskia Pr'ct.
Chester Precinct.
Liberty Precinct.
Mill Creek.
Georgct'n Prec't.
Sparta Precinct.
Burnett's Prec't
Union Precinct.
PRECINCT OFFICERS.
r John Stype, Justice of I he Peace
J Louis. Dcrotise, " l< H
1 Edward Boochcrie, Constable.
[ James Hunt. Constable.
Felix Hughs, Justice of tho Peace.
Leonard Crisler, u " u
H.M.Crawford, " "
Amos Taggart, Constable.
Amos Ditty, "
John Harmon, Jr., "
Alex. Barber, Justice ofthe Peace.
B. J. Ward, " " "
W. B. Jernigan, Constable.
S. P. Mace, Justico of the Peace.
Martin Ireland, Justice of the Peace.
Isaac R. Johnson, Constable.
Elijah Stokes, "
A. G. Sowcrby, Justice of the
Peace.
Mathias R. Ray, Justice of the
Peace.
Cyrus E. Robbison, Constable.
John T. Steele, "
{John Taylor, Justice of the Poace.
W. R. Brown, rt " "
Hugh C. Gault, Constable.
Andrew "Wilson, "
f R. H. Preston, Justice ofthe Peace. .
J J. J. Borders, " " «
j William North, Constable.
( James McMillan, do
( John R. Adams, Justice ofthe Peace.
J Nathaniel Smith, « " "
1 John F. Outcn, Constable.
{ Charles G. Gore, "
DIRECTORY.
245
PRECINCT OFFICERS— Comtinukd.
« j t> r f Wm. Henry, Justice of the Peace.
Pra. du Mocker. | Jolm Brow ^ „ «
( J. A. Douglas, Justice of the Peace.
r* -ii » . / ) J- B. Bratney, " " "
EvansvillePrct-l John M Thompson, Constable.
[A. C. Wright, Constable.
(" R B. Servant, Justice of the Peace.
m. -rLu 1 Gabriel Jones, Justice of the Peace
Chester City < Thomas H. Callaway, Constable.
I John C. McQuiston, "
2-H) RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY.
Illinois mutual
FIRE INS URANCE COMPANY,
INCORPORATED IN 1839.
PRINCIPAL OFFICE AT ALTON, ILL.
O-AJPIT.A.X*, ©1,000,000.
4 » • > >
Stores and Merchandise, Dwelling Houses and Furniture; Barns
and Hay and Grain : First Class Mills, Shops, and other Buildings,
with their contents, insured against
LOSS OR DAMAGE BY FIRE. .
This Company has now beem in existence over twenty years ; —
does not issue Policies out of this State ; — has paid nearly Half a
Million Dollars for Losses ; — has furnished Insurance to its members
for less than two-thirds the price charged by the best Stock Com-
panies. It has the largest and best secured Capital of any Insur-
ance Company in the West
Arrangements have now been completed, which enables the Di-
rectors to pay all Losses within ninety days! Merchants can now
have their Stocks insured in the Illinois Mutual, and in case of
loss, actually get their money as soon as is promised by any other
Company.
To the Farmer and the Mechanic, this Company has become a
State Benevolent Association, in which, at a moderate cost, their
Homes and Shops may be insured against the ravages of Fire, with
a certainty that, if destroyed, they will receive the WHOLE
AMOUNT INSURED, without litigation, or unnecessary delay.
It has become the Insurance Company for the People of Illinois,
— annually saving large sums of money in the 8tate that would
otherwise be taken out by foreign Companies. With all these in-
ducements, who can now afford to remain uninsured in the Illinois
Mutual ?
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
B. K. IIart. M. D.. Alton. I John Atwoop, Esq., Alton.
J. W. Schweppe. Esq., Alton.
Benjamin F. Long, M. D., Monticollo.
ELIfS IIlDBARD, Ehq., Alton.
no.v. Francis A. Hoffmann, Chicago.
Lewis Kei.lenberger, Eeq., Alton.
M. G. Atwood, Esq.. Alton.
Hon. Samuel Wade. Alton.
Hon. H. W. Billings. Alton.
.Tons James, M. D., Upper Alton.
Timotiit Turner, E«j.. Monticello.
Hon. Lyman Trumbull. Alton.
Hon. Robert Smith. Alton.
Henry Lea, E«q., Alton.
Benjamin F. Lono, President. I >f. O. Arwoop, Secretary.
L. Kelllnblrger, Treasurer. | Joun Atwood. A^istnnt Secretary.
JOHN BLAISDELL, General Agent.
A. C. Hankinson, Assistant General Agent.
Agrati li.ive been appointed in every County, mid io ill the principal Cities and
Town* m the State, to whom application f"i IiiMiranc may he made.
ALTON COURIER
STEAM
100ft ana Job fjtmtrag #§«,
STATE STREET, OPPOSITE THIRD.
THE LARGEST A\D BEST
ESTABLISHMENT IX THE
WEST!
BOOKS, PERIODICALS,
)• VMl'III.ETS,
BILLS OF LADING,
CIRCULARS.
PO 8TER8,
Ami cvi rv description of
BLANK WORK,
Printed in a superior manner,
;md in the shortest possible time.
TVi- rirenuw constantly running
three uf I!. Hoe & Co.'h justly
cMfbmtHd Cylinder Presses ;
also, one of GORDON'S
FIRE-FLY CARD PRESSES,
Which Feeds. Prints, Cuts, and
Counts its Cards at tlie Rate of
10,000 PER HOUR!
AT PHICE3 VARYING FROM
$1 25 to $7 50
PER THOUSAND.
All description 1 of
COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL BLANKS,
Constantly on hand and for sale.
Orders respectfully solicited, and promptly attended to.
